Humber Admissions Practice Test

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What is the relationship between the orbital quantum number and the shape of the orbital?

The orbital quantum number determines the energy level
The orbital quantum number is unrelated to shape
The orbital quantum number indicates the shape of the orbital
The orbital quantum number determines the spin of the electron

The correct answer is: The orbital quantum number indicates the shape of the orbital

The orbital quantum number, also known as the azimuthal quantum number (denoted as 'l'), plays a crucial role in defining the shape of atomic orbitals. Each value of the orbital quantum number corresponds to a particular type of orbital: - When l = 0, the orbital is spherical (s orbital). - When l = 1, the orbital has a dumbbell shape (p orbital). - When l = 2, the orbital has a more complex shape (d orbital), and for l = 3, it represents the f orbital with even more intricate shapes. Therefore, the orbital quantum number directly relates to the geometry and shape of the electron cloud around the nucleus, as it categorizes orbitals into different shapes based on the specific value of l. This understanding of how l correlates with orbital shapes is essential in quantum mechanics and helps explain the arrangement of electrons in atoms.