When an element has multiple energy levels (i.e Titanium has $(Ar)3d^24s^2$), what energy level do we use to find the quantum numbers? Is it generally assumed the LAST energy level is used? or is it the orbital that has the highest energy?
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
1
-
1$\begingroup$ Review the guide How to ask and Asking FAQs to prevent clarification requests, objections, down-voting or closure. $\endgroup$– PoutnikOct 14 at 4:13
Add a comment
|
1 Answer
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
2
Each orbital has its own set of quantum numbers. Without external fields, each orbital group has its own energy level, otherwise each orbital. It is your choice, for which orbital you want to know it's quantum numbers and energy.
-
$\begingroup$ Right. Thing is, we had a midterm on this and it wasnt specified on what orbital to compute the Q.N from. Was there an underlying assumption I missed? $\endgroup$ Oct 14 at 4:46
-
$\begingroup$ You can always provide the answer for multiple choices. // A asking B "Why did C say X?" does not usually provide a satisfactory answer if C had multiple valid choices. As B does not usually know why C did/said so either, A should ask C . $\endgroup$– PoutnikOct 14 at 5:30