What are the quantum numbers that could define an outer valence electron of Co3+

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lilietta2000

Dr.lili
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What are the quantum numbers that could define an outer valence electron of Co3+?
Answer: n=3, l=2...

I just don't understand why l is 2...isn't it that l can be 0 to n-1? so we can have l=0,1 and 2..
 
Let's see, Cobalt 3+, a transition metal ion, meaning that it has no s orbital valence electrons, only d. This is because whenever transition metals form positive ions, they lose their s valence electrons first.

So, n=3 (since it is 3d valence electrons)

Now, l has the following possible values, 0, 1, and 2

0 is s, 1 is p, and 2 is d

Now, we just stated that the valence electrons are d orbital electrons.

Thus, d has to be 2, not 0 or 1.
 
Let's see, Cobalt 3+, a transition metal ion, meaning that it has no s orbital valence electrons, only d. This is because whenever transition metals form positive ions, they lose their s valence electrons first.

So, n=3 (since it is 3d valence electrons)

Now, l has the following possible values, 0, 1, and 2

0 is s, 1 is p, and 2 is d

Now, we just stated that the valence electrons are d orbital electrons.

Thus, d has to be 2, not 0 or 1.

Oh, wow ,thanks so much again!😀
 
I wonder if you can also kindly help me with this one:

Two electrons with the same n, l and ms values:

A. always violate the Pauli exclusion principle
B. can be in different orbitals of the same subshell.
C. are paired.
D. must be in the same atom.


Answr: B
 
I wonder if you can also kindly help me with this one:

Two electrons with the same n, l and ms values:

A. always violate the Pauli exclusion principle
B. can be in different orbitals of the same subshell.
C. are paired.
D. must be in the same atom.


Answr: B

So, you have two electrons that share n, l, and ms, but NOT ml values. So in other words, two electrons share principle quantum number, orbitals, and spin values, but not individual positions within orbitals.

A. because the two electrons do not share positions within orbitals, for example, one of the 5 positions in the d orbital, or one of the 3 in the p, they do NOT violate the exclusion principle, making this answer wrong

b. true, because they can be in p1 and p2, or d1 and d3, etc

c. they cannot be paired, since they have the same ms values. in order for two electrons to even have the possibility of being paired, they need opposite ms values (+1/2 and -1/2)

d. doesn't have to be in the same atom...this is just too wacky of an answer...its equally plausible that they are in two different atoms.
 
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