1.

ATOMIC STRUCTURE

INTRODUCTION:
All objects around us, this book, your pen, and other things of nature such as rocks, water plants
and animal substances – constitute the matter of the universe. Matter can be classified into pure
substances and mixtures. A pure substance is a single, uncontaminated substance. A mixture is a physical
combination of two or more pure substances. There are two types of pure substances known as elements
and compounds.
Elements are fundamental substances, which cannot be fragmented into simpler fundamental substances.
Compounds are composed of elements and they can be separated into its constituent elements. The British
chemist John Dalton (1766-1844) provided the basic theory that all matter is composed of small particles
called atoms.

In 1897, the British physicist J.J. Thomson discovered the first component part of the atom the
electron and in 1904 he proposed and initial model of an atom. In 1911, Rutherford put forward the idea
of the nuclear model of the atom, based on experiments done in his laboratory. But he could not explain
the stability of atom. In order to take account of atomic stability, in 1913 Niels Bohr, created a new model
of atom.

Until 1923, all attempts to deal with atomic and molecular structural problems were based on
classical mechanics, in which structural units of the atom were treated as particles. The modern theory of
atomic structure is based o the quantum or wave mechanics proposed independently by de Broglie,
Heisenberg and Schrodinger.

IMPORTANT TERMS, DEFINITIONS AND FORMULAE

ATOM: An atom is the smallest particle of matter consisting of a positively charged nucleus and
negatively charged electrons.

DALTON’S ATOMIC MODEL: This model suggest that atoms are indivisible.

J.J. THOMSON’S MODEL: An atom is a solid sphere of positively charged particles in which electrons
are embedded like seeds in watermelon fruit.

RUTHERFORD’S MODEL. The protons and neutrons are present in a small dense positively charged
core called nucleus and all the electrons revolve around the nucleus in circular paths like planetary model.

BOHR’S MODEL. The protons and neutrons are present in the nucleus and all the electrons revolve
around the nucleus in definite orbits.

SOMMERFIELD MODEL: According to this, the electron moving around the nucleus must describe an
elliptical orbit in addition to circular orbits as suggested by Bohr.

QUANTUM MECHANICAL MODEL OF AN ATOM: According to this, electrons are considered as

three dimensional wave in electric field of the positively charged nucleus.

ELECTRON: It is a negatively charged particle which occupies the space outside the nucleus in an atom.

PROTON: It is a positively charged particles present in the nucleus of an atom.

NEUTRON: It is a neutral particle of mass equal to the mass of proton.

ORBIT: It is a definite circular path in which the electron is supposed to revolve around the nucleus.

ORBITAL: It is the three dimensional region around the nucleus in which the probability of finding the
electron is maximum.

ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATION: Distribution of electron in different orbitals of the atom of an

element.
s-ORBITAL: s orbital is spherically symmetric around the nucleus.

p-OTBITAL: p orbital is dumb-bell shaped and consists of two lobes of electron cloud.

PRINCIPAL QUANTUM NUMBER (n): It describes the energy of the energy level in which the
electron revolving around the nucleus. It also describes the distance between the nucleus and the electron.

AZIMUTHAL OR ORBITAL QUANTUM NUMBER (l): It represents the sub energy level which is
present in main energy level.

MAGNETIC QUANTUM NUMBER (m): It gives how many orientations are possible for a sub energy
level in space, when an electron present in a sub shell.
SPIN QUANTUM NUMBER (s): It describes the direction of the spin of the electron (either clock wise
or anticlock wise).

HUND’S RULE: “Among the orbitals of same energy, electrons do not start pairing, until all these orbitals
are singly occupied”. Hund’s rule is also called as the principle of minimum pairing and the principle of
maximum multiplicity.

AUFBAU’S PRINCIPLE: “Electrons are filled in the increasing order of energy level” According to this
principle first the electrons occupy the orbitals with lowest energy. This is decided by the sum of the
principle quantum number and azimuthal quantum number. This is called (n + l) rule.

PAULI PRINCIPLE: “In an atom no two electrons can have the same set of four quantum numbers”.

OXIDATION: Removal of one or more electron from an atom or molecule or ion is called oxidation

REDUCTION: Addition of one or more electrons to an atom or molecule or ion is called reduction.

REDUCING AGENT: A substance which gives one or more electrons to the other is called a reducing
agent.

OXIDISING AGENT: A substance which accepts one or more electrons from the other is called an
oxidizing agent.

SELF EVALUATION (T.B. PAGE 19 & 20)

I. CHOOSE THE CORRECT ANSWER:

1. What would be the 1 value for an electron having n value 2?
a) 1 b) 2 c) 2, 0 d) 0, 1
2. The quantum number which gives the orientation of a given electron is
a) Principal quantum number b) Magnetic quantum number
c) Azimuthal quantum number d) Spin quantum number
3.In an atom no two electrons have the same set of four quantum numbers. It is
a) Pauli’s exclusion principle b) Hund’s rule c) Aufbau principle d) Bohr’s principle
4.The ground state electronic configuration of carbon is
a) 1s2 2s2 2px1 2py1 2pz0 b) 1 s2 2s12px1 2py1 2pz1
2 2 2 0 0
c) 1s 2s 2px 2py 2pz d) 1s1 2s2 2px1 2py1 2pz1
5.The oxidation number of manganese in KMnO4 is
a) +2 b) –2 c) +1 d) +7
6. The direction of the spin of electron is explained by …………quantum number.
a) Principal b) Azumithal c) magnetic d) Spin
7. The quantum number which gives the maximum number of electrons in a shell is……………. quantum number
a) Principal b) Azumithal c) Magnetic d) Spin
8. The electron will enter subshell for which (n + l) value is………..
a) Lowest b) Highest c) both (a) & (b) d) None
9. Oxidation number of hydrogen in LiH is………….
a) +1 b) –1 c) +2 d) –2
10.A substance which accepts one or more electrons from the other is called …………
a) Reducing agent b) Oxidising agent c) Redox reagent d) None
__________________________________________________________________________________
Answers:
1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (d) 6. (d) 7. (a) 8. (a) 9. (b) 10. (a).
_____________________________________________________________________________________

II. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING IN ONE OR TWO SENTENCES: (T.B PAGE 21)
1.State Hund’s rule.
“Among the orbitals of same energy, electrons do not start pairing, until all these orbitals are singly
occupied”.
Hund’s rule is also called as the principle of minimum pairing and the principle of maximum multiplicity.
2.Define oxidation and reduction in terms of electron transfer.
Removal of one or more electrons from a particle is called oxidation. Addition of one or more electrons to a
particle is called reduction.
Example,
1. Na Na+ + e- (oxidation)
2. Cl + e- Cl- (Reduction)
3. Draw the shape of p-orbitals.

Y Y Y

X X X

Z Z Z
2px 2py 2pz

Fig. Shapes of 2px, 2py and 2pz orbitals

4.What do you mean by oxidation number?
Oxidation number is defined as the actual or apparent charge possessed by an atom of the element in a
compound.
5.Calculate the oxidation number of
(a) Cr in K2Cr2O7
Solution: Oxidation of K is +1, and oxygen is – 2.
∴ 2 (1) + 2Cr + 7 × – 2 = 0
2 + 2Cr – 14 = 0
2Cr – 12 = 0
2Cr = + 12
+12
Cr = ------
2
Cr = + 6
∴The oxidation number of Cr in K2Cr2O7 is +6
(b) Cl in ClO3–
Solution: Oxidation number of oxygen is – 2.
Cl O3 = – 1
Cl + 3 × – 2 = – 1
Cl – 6 = – 1
Cl = – 1 + 6
Cl = + 5
∴The oxidation number of Cl in ClO3- is +5

(c) S in Na2S2O3
Solution: Oxidation number of Na is +1, Oxygen is –2.
Na2S2O3 = 0
2 × 1 + 2S + 3 × – 2 = 0
 2 + 2S – 6 = 0
2S – 4 = 0
2S = +4
S = 4/2
S = +2
∴The oxidation number of S in Na2S2O3 is +2

III. ANSWER IN BRIEF (T.B. Page 21)

1.State Aufbau’s principle.
“Electrons are filled in the increasing order of energy level”
According to this principle first the electrons occupy the orbitals with lowest energy. This is decided by the
sum of the principle quantum number and azimuthal quantum number. This is called (n + l) rule.
Rule 1: The electrons first occupy that orbital for which (n +l) value is lowest.
Rule 2: When (n +l) values for two orbitals are equal, then the electrons first occupy the orbital with lower
value of n.
2.State Pauli exclusion principle with an illustration.
“In an atom no two electrons can have the same set of four quantum numbers”.
Illustration of Pauli's exclusion principle:
1. In an atom if one electron is assigned a set of four quantum numbers n = 1, l = 0, m = 0, s = + ½, then other
electrons cannot be assigned the same set of quantum numbers.
2. If three quantum numbers for two electrons are the same, then these electrons must have different fourth
quantum number.
n l m s
First electron 1 0 0 +½
Second electron 1 0 0 –½

3.Give the difference between orbit and orbital.

Difference between an orbit and an orbital
ORBIT ORBITAL
1. It is a definite circular path in It is the three dimensional region
which the electron is supposed around the nucleus in which
to revolve around the nucleus. there is maximum probability
of finding the electron.
2. It is circular in shape. It has different three dimensional
shapes. Eg. ‘s’-orbitals are
spherical, p-orbitals are dump
bell shaped etc.
3. An orbit can contain a maximum An orbital can contain a
2n2 electrons where n represents maximum of only 2 electrons.
the order of the orbit from
the nucleus.
4. The position and momentum It is not possible to find the
of the electron can be calculated exact position and momentum
at the same time. of the electron at the same time.

5. They are designated as K, L, M, N etc They are designated as s, p, d, f etc

4.Explain spin quantum number.

Spin Quantum Number (s):
1. It represents the direction of the spin of the electrons.
2. It is denoted by the symbol s.
3. The electron may spin in the clockwise ↑ direction or anticlockwise ↓ direction. And hence it can have only
two values namely either + ½ or –½.
4. Two electrons with the same sign of spin are said to have parallel spins and are represented by ↓↓ (or) ↑↑
while those having opposite spins are said to have anti parallel spins ↑↓ and are known as paired up
electrons.
5.Write a note on Sommerfeld model of atom.
According to Sommerfeld, the electron moving around the nucleus must describe an elliptical orbit in
addition to circular one as suggested by Bohr.

n = 3, k = 3
n = 3, k = 2

n = 3, k = 1

Fig .Bohr Sommerfeld orbits for n = 3, k = 1,2,3

Note: Both n and k are integers. When the value of k is equal to n, the orbit is circular, but for other
values of k, the orbit is elliptical.

IV. ANSWER IN DETAIL.(T.B. Page 21)

1. Discuss the four types of quantum numbers in detail.
The numbers which designate and distinguish various atomic orbitals and electrons present in an atom are
called quantum numbers.
In an atom, the state of each electron is different with respect to the nucleus. In order to define the state of the
electron completely, four quantum numbers are used.
They are -
1. Principal quantum number (n)
2. Azimuthal quantum number (l)
3. Magnetic quantum number (m)
4. Spin quantum number (s).

1. Principal Quantum Number (n):

1. It determines the energy shell in which the electron is revolving around the nucleus. It is also known as major
energy level.
2. It is denoted by the symbol n and may have any integral value except zero. i.e., it can have the value n
=1,2,3, …. etc.
3. The value n = 1 denotes that the electron is in the first shell (K shell).
The value n = 2 denotes that the electron is in the second shell (L shell).
The value n = 3 denotes that the electron is in the third shell (M shell).
The value n = 4 denotes that the electron is in the fourth shell (N shell).
4. As the distance of the electron from the nucleus increases, its energy becomes higher and higher.
5. The maximum number of electrons in a major energy level is given by 2n2.

Principal quantum Designation Maximum number

number ‘n’ of electrons (2n2)
1 K 2
2 L 8
3 M 18
4 N 32

2. Azimuthal Quantum Number or Orbital Quantum Number (l):

1. It represents the sub shell to which the electron belongs.
2. It is denoted by the symbol l. Its value depends on the principal quantum number n. It may have any value
ranging from 0 to (n – 1).
Principal quantum l Value Name of the
 number ‘n’ l = (n-1) sub shells or orbital
1 0 1s
2 0 2s
1 2p
0 3s
3 1 3p
2 3d
0 4s
4 1 4p
2 4d
3 4f
3. The value l = 0 denotes that the electron is in the s sub shell or s orbital.
The value l = 1 denotes that the electron is in the p sub shell or p orbital.
The value l = 2 denotes that the electron is in the d sub shell or d orbital.
The value l = 3 denotes that the electron is in the f sub shell or f orbital.

3. Magnetic Quantum Number (m):

1. It represents the orientation of an atomic orbital in space.
2. It is denoted by the symbol m. The possible value which m can have depends upon the value of l. It may have
all the integral values between – l to + l through 0 that is the total number of values of m would be (2l + 1).
3. Its value tells the orientations of orbital in space. The value of m = 0 denotes that the orbital has no
orientation. The value of m = 1 denotes that it has three orbital with three types of orientations. The value
of m = 2 denotes that it has five orbital with five types of orientations.
Principal quantum l value m value Name of the sub
number ‘n’ l =( n-1) (- l O .... + l )
...
shells or orbital
with orientation
1 0 0 1s
2 0 0 2s
1 – 1, 0, + 1 2px, 2py, 2pz

0 0 3s
3 1 – 1, 0, + 1 3px, 3py, 3pz
2 – 2, – 1, 0, +1 ,+2 3dxy, 3dxz, 3dyz,
3dz2, 3dx2 – y2
4. Spin Quantum Number (s):
1. It represents the direction of the spin of the electrons.
2. It is denoted by the symbol s.
3. The electron may spin in the clockwise ↑ direction or anticlockwise ↓ direction. And hence it can have only
two values namely either + ½ or –½.
4. Two electrons with the same sign of spin are said to have parallel spins and are represented by ↓↓ (or) ↑↑
while those having opposite spins are said to have anti parallel spins ↑↓ and are known as paired up
electrons.

2.State and explain Hund’s rule and Pauli’s exclusion principle with suitable illustrations.
Hund’s Rule: “Among the orbitals of same energy, electrons do not start pairing, until all these orbitals are
singly occupied”.
Hund’s rule is also called as the principle of minimum pairing and the principle of maximum multiplicity.
Example I: In the case of nitrogen, there are 3 electrons to be filled in 2px, 2py and 2pz orbitals According to Hund’s
rule one electron will be filled in each one of these degenerate orbitals as 2px1, 2py1, 2pz1.
1s2 2s2 2px 2py 2pz
↑↓ ↑↓ ↑ ↑ ↑

Example II: In the case of oxygen, there are 4 electrons to be filled in 2px, 2py and 2pz orbitals. In this case the
number of electrons exceeds the number of orbitals. According to Hund’s rule, each one of 2px, 2py and 2pz is singly
occupied. Afterwards, the fourth electron is filled in one of the singly occupied orbitals, but the spins of these two
electrons must be opposite ( ↑↓ ). This is shown as 2px2, 2py1, 2pz1.
 1s2 2s2 2px 2py 2pz

↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑ ↑

“In an atom no two electrons can have the same set of four quantum numbers”.
Illustration of Pauli's exclusion principle:
1. In an atom if one electron is assigned a set of four quantum numbers n = 1, l = 0, m = 0, s = + ½, then other
electrons cannot be assigned the same set of quantum numbers.
2. If three quantum numbers for two electrons are the same, then these electrons must have different fourth
quantum number.
n l m s
First electron 1 0 0 +½
Second electron 1 0 0 –½

3.Discuss the shapes of s and p orbitals with a neat diagram.

s orbital:
1. s orbital is spherically symmetric around the nucleus, i.e., probability of finding the electron at a particular
distance from the nucleus is the same in all directions.
2. 1s orbital does not contain any node and is the smallest of all subsequent s orbitals. The size of an s orbital
increases with increase in the value of n.
3. 2s orbital is larger in size as compared to 1s orbital possesses a node. The 3s orbital still larger in size and
contains two nodes. The shapes of 1s, 2s and 3s orbitals are shown in Fig.

1s Orbital 2s Orbital 3s Orbital

Fig. Shapes of 1s, 2s and 3s orbitals
p orbitals:
1. p-orbital has three orientations i.e. probability of finding p-electron is along mutually perpendicular X, Y and
Z axis. These orbitals are thus named as px, py ,and pz orbital.
2. In px orbital, the electron density is distributed along X-axis while in py and pz orbitals, the electron density
distributions are along Y and Z axes respectively.
3. Each p orbital is dumb bell shaped and consists of two lobes of electron cloud which extend outwards and
away from the nucleus along the axial line.
4. A nodal plane exists between the two lobes. Along this plane, the probability of finding electron (ψ 2) is zero
and consequently the electron density is also zero.
5. In each p orbital, the point at which the two lobes meet together is a nodal point. It is the point from
which the nodal plane passes. The shapes of 2px, 2py and 2pz orbitals are shown in Fig.

Fig. Shapes of 2px, 2py and 2pz orbitals

Nodes are the region in which probability of finding electrons (ψ 2) is zero.
The above four quantum numbers give the position of any electron in the major energy level, the
orientation of electron in the orbital and the direction of its spin. The various states that an electron can
occupy are summarized in the table given below.
 OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

SELF EVALUATION

I. CHOOSE THE CORRECT ANSWER:

1. In Aufbau principle, the word ‘Aufbau’

(a) represents the name of scientist who developed the principle
(b) is a German word which means “built up”
(c) is related to the energy momentum of the electron
(d) is related to angular momentum of the electron.
2. In which of the following electron distribution in ground state, only the Hund’s rule is violated?
2s 2p 2s 2p
(a) (b)
↑↓ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑
2s 2p 2s 2p
(c) (d)
↑↑ ↑↓ ↑ ↑↓ ↑ ↑ ↑

3. The total number of electrons in a principal energy shell is designated by expression

(a) n (b) 2n + 1 (c) n2 (d) 2n2
4. The total number of electrons in a subshell designated by azimuthal quantum number, l is given as
(a) 2l + 1 (b) l 2 (c) 4l + 2 (d) 2l + 2.

5. Wave mechanical model of the atom depends upon

(a) de-Broglie’s concept of duality (b) Uncertainty principle
(c) Schrodinger’s wave equation (d) All the above
6. The conclusion that orbital can accommodate only two electrons is derived from
(a) Heisenberg’s principle (b) Aufbau rule (c) Pauli’s exclusion principle (d) Hund’s rule
7. A region in space around the nucleus of an atom where the probability of finding the electron is
maximum is called
(a) Sub-level (b) orbit (c) orbital (d) electron shell.
8. Which out of the following configurations is incorrect?
(a) 1s2 2s2 2p2x 2py2 2p0z (b) 1s2 2s2 2p1x 2py1 2p0z
2 2 1 1 1
(c) 1s 2s 2p x 2py 2p z (d) 1s2 2s2 2p63s2 3p6 3d5 4s1
9. When 3p orbitals are completely filled then, the newly entering electron goes into
(a) 4p (b) 3d (c) 4s (d) 4d
10. How many electrons in 19 K have n = 3; l = 0?
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 4 (d) 3.
11. The maximum number of 3d electrons having spin quantum s = + ½ are
(a) 10 (b) 14 (c) 5 (d) any number from 1 to 10.
12. In which of the following all the electrons are paired?
(a) Atom with atomic number 22 (b) nitrogen atom
2 4
(c) Atom with configuration 3s 3p (d) magnesium
13. The valence electrons of 29Cu lie in the
(a) K shell (b) M shell (c) N shell (d) both M and N shell.
14. The number of electrons that can be accommodated in dxy orbital is
(a) 10 (b) 4 (c) 1 (d) 2.
15. The electronic configuration of Mn can be written as
(a) [Ar] 4s2 (b) [Ar] 3d6, 4s2 (c) [Ar] 3d5, 4s1 (d) [Ar] 3d5, 4s2 .
16. Which of the following sets of quantum numbers is not possible for 23rd electron of
Cr(at. No. (24)?
(a) 3,2 + 2, - ½ (b) 3,2 - 2, + ½ (c) 3,2 + 1, + ½ (d) 3,1 + 1, + ½
17. How many quantum numbers are required to define the electron in atom?
(a) two (b) three (c) one (d) four.
18. The total number of electrons present in any main energy level can be calculated from
(a) (2l + 1) (b) 2n2 (c) (2n + 1) (d) n2
19. Which of the following sets of quantum numbers is allowable?
(a) n = 2,l = 1, m = 0,s = + ½ (b) n = 2,1 = 2, m = -1,s = - ½
(c) n = 2,1 = - 2, m = 1,s = + ½ (d) n = 2,1 = 1, m = 0,s = 0.
20. Which shape is associated with the orbital designated by n = 2; l = 1?
(a) Spherical (b) tetrahedral (c) dumb – bell (d) pyramidal.
21. Which of the following sets of quantum numbers is impossible arrangement?
(a) n = 3,m = -2, s = + ½ (b) n = 4,m = 3, s = + ½
(c) n = 5,m = 2, s = - ½ (d) n = 3,m = -3, s = - ½ .
22. Which of the following statements about quantum numbers is wrong?
(a) If the value of l = 0, the electron distribution is spherical
(b) The shape of the orbital is given by subsidiary quantum number
(c) The Zeeman’s effect is explained by magnetic quantum number
(d) The spin quantum number gives the orientations of electron cloud.
23. The shape of the orbital with the value of l =2 and m = 0 is
(a) Spherical (b) dumb- bell (c) trigonal planar (d) square planar.
24. Which of the following sets of quantum numbers is not possible?
(a) n = 4,1 = 1, m = 0,s = + ½ (b) n = 4,1 = 3, m = -3,s = - ½
(c) n = 4,l = 1, m = +2,s = - ½ (d) n = 4,1 = 0, m = 0,s = - ½
25. The possible sub shells in n = 3 energy shell are
(a) s,p,d (b) s,p,d,f (c) s,p (d) s only.
26. If the value of m for an electron is + 3. It may be found in
(a) 4s- orbital (b) 4p-orbital (c) In any f-orbital (d) In any d- orbital
27. Which of the following orbital does not make sense?
(a) 3d (b) 3f (c) 5p (d) 7s.
28. If the value of azimuthal quantum number of an electron is 2, then which of the flowing values of
magnetic quantum numbers is not permissible,
(a) 3 (b) 2 (c) 0 (d) 1
29. The quantum number which is related to the orbital angular momentum is
(a) subsidiary quantum number (b) principle quantum number
(c) magnetic quantum number (d) spin quantum number.
30. The value of azimuthal quantum number for electrons present in 6p-orbital is
(a) 2 (b) 1 (c) any of the value between 0 and 5 (d) 0.
31. Which of the following is the correct set of quantum numbers for the outer shell electrons of
21 Sc?
(a) 3,2,0, + ½ (b) 4,0,0, + ½ (c) 3,0,0, - ½ (d) 4,0, -1, + ½ .
32. Which value of l will represent double dumb- bell shape of the orbital?
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) l does not give shape of orbital.
33. How man electrons in K (Z = 19) have n= 4;l = 0?
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4.
34. Indicate which electronic configuration amongst the following correctly represent SULPHUR atom?
(a) 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3d2 (b) 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p2 4s2
(c) 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s1 4p1 (d) 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4
35. The magnetic quantum number represents
(a) Size of the orbital (b) spin angular momentum
(c) orbital angular momentum (d) spatial orientation of orbital.
36. No two electrons in an atom will have all the four quantum numbers same. This statement is know as
(a) Exclusion principle (b) Uncertainty principle (c) Hund’s rule (d) Aufbau principle.
37. The maximum number of electrons in a subshell for which l = 3 is
(a) 14 (b) 10 (c) 8 (d) 4.
38. The number of electrons in the M shell of the element with atomic number 24 is
(a) 24 (b) 12 (c) 13 (d) 8.
39. The two electrons occupying an orbital are distinguished by
(a) principal quantum number (b) azimuthal quantum number
(c) magnetic quantum number (d) spin quantum number.
40. The symbol of the element whose atoms have the outer most electronic configuration 2s2 2p3 is
(a) N (b) Li (c) P (d) Na.
41. The principal quantum number, n describes
(a) Shape of orbital (b) sub- shell of electron
(c) Main energy shell of electron (d) spin of electron.
42. The quantum numbers for the outer electrons of an atom are given by
n = 2; l = 0; m = 0 ; s = + ½ is given by
(a) Lithium (b) Beryllium (c) Hydrogen (d) Boron.
22
43. 11 Na contains
(a) 22 protons (b) 11 neutrons (c) 22 neutrons (d) None of these.
44. Which quantum number is sufficient to describe the electron in hydrogen atom?
 (a) 1 (b) n (c) m (d) s.
45. Which one of the following shows the correct electronic configuration of the outermost shell in innert
gases?
(a) ns2, np6 (b) ns2, np3 (c) ns2,np5 (d) ns2, np4.
46. The valence orbital configuration of an element with atomic number 23 is
(a) 3d5 (b) 3d3, 4s2 (c) 3d3, 4s1, 4p1 (d) 3d2, 4s2, 4p1.
47. The electronic configuration of 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p2 corresponds to
(a) Si (b) S (c) Na (d) Ar.
48. When the azimuthal quantum number l =1, the shape of the orbital will be
(a) Spherical (b) dumb – bell (c) double dumb – bell (d) more complicated.
49. The correct set of quantum numbers for the unpaired electron of chlorine atom is
(a) n = 2, l = l, m =0 (b) n = 2, l = 1,m =1 (c) n = 3, l = 1,m =1 (d) n =3, l = 0,m = 0.
50. Oxidation involves:
(a) gain of electrons (b) loss of electrons
(c) increase in the valency of negative part (d) decrease in the valency of positive part
51. Reduction involves:
(a) gain of electrons (b) loss of electrons
(c) increase in the valency of negative part (d) decrease in the valency of positive part
52. The oxidation number of Cr in K2Cr2O7:
(a) +2 (b) –2 (c) +6 (d) –6
53. The oxidation number of carbon in CH2O is:
(a) –2 (b) +2 (c) 0 (d) +4
54. The oxidation number of Mn in MnO4- is
(a) +7 (b) –5 (c) –7 (d) +5
55. The oxidation number of carbon in CHCl3 is:
(a) +2 (b) +3 (c) +4 (d) –3
2-
56. The oxidation state of sulphur in SO4 is:
(a) +2 (b) +4 (c) +6 (d) –6
2-
57. The oxidation state of sulphur in S2O7 is:
(a) +6 (b) –6 (c) –2 (d) +2
58. Oxidation number of oxygen in H2O and H2O2 are respectively:
(a) +2 and –1 (b) –2 and +2 (c) –2 and –2 (d) –2 and -1
59. Oxidation number of sulphur in H2SO4 is:
(a) +2 (b) +4 (c) +6 (d) +8
60. Which of the following sets of the quantum numbers is permitted?
(a) n = 4, l = 2, m = +3, s = + 1/2 (b) n = 3, l = 3, m = +3 , s = +1/2
(c) n = 4, l = 0, m = 0, s = + 1/2 (d) n = 4, l = 3, m = +1 , s = 0
61. A sub shell with n = 6, l = 2 can accommodate a maximum of
(a) 12 electrons (b) 36 electrons (c) 10 electrons (d) 72 electrons
62. An electron has spin quantum number, s = + 1/2 and magnetic quantum number, m = + 1. It cannot be
present in
(a) s- orbital (b) p-orbital (c) d-orbital (d) f-orbital
63. According to Aufbau principle, the 19th electron in an atom goes into the
(a) 4s- orbital (b) 3d-orbital (c) 4p-orbital (d) 3p-orbital
64. How many electrons in calcium have l = 0?
(a) 6 (b) 8 (c) 10 (d) 12
65. The number of electrons with quantum numbers n = 3 and l = 2 in chromium is
(a) 8 (b) 6 (c) 5 (d) 7
66. Neutrons were discovered by
(a) J.J Thomson (b) Rutherford (c) James chadwick (d) G.T. Seabery
67. The orbital diagram in which the Aufbau principle is violated
2s 2p 2s 2p

(a) ↑ ↑↓ ↑ (b) ↑ ↑↓ ↑ ↑

2s 2p 2s 2p

(c) (d)
↓ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑
68. A p-orbital can accommodate
(a) 4 electrons (b) 6 electrons
(c) 2 electrons with parallel spin (d) 2 electrons with opposite spin
69. The principal quantum number of an atom represents
(a) Size of orbital (b) spin angular momentum
(c) Orbital angular momentum (d) space orientation of the orbital
70. The maximum number of electrons in an atom which can have n = 4 is
(a) 4 (b) 8 (c) 16 (d) 32
71. The maximum value of l for an electron in fifth energy level is
(a) 5 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 2
72. If the value of principal quantum number is 3, the total possible values for magnetic quantum number
will be
(a) 1 (b) 4 (c) 9 (d) 12
73. Azimuthal quantum number of last electron of 11Na is
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 0
74. The correct set of quantum numbers for the unpaired electron of chlorine atom is
n l m
(a) 2 1 0
(b) 2 1 1
(c) 3 1 1
(d) 3 0 1
5. Which quantum number will determine the shape of the sub shell?
(a) Principal quantum number (b) azimuthal quantum number
(c) Magnetic quantum number (d) Spin quantum number
76. The four quantum numbers of valence electron of potassium are
(a) 4,0,1, 1/2 (b) 4,1,0,1/2 (c) 4,0,0, 1/2 (d) 4,1,1,1/2
77. An electron is present in 4f sub-shell. The possible values of azimuthal quantum number for this
electron are
(a) 0,1,2,3 (b) 1,2,3,4 (c) 3 (d) 4
78. Which of the following electronic configuration is correct?
(a) 1s2, 2s2, 2px2, 2py2, 2pz2, 3s2,3px2 (b) 1s2, 2s1, 2px1, 2py1, 2pz1
2 2 6 2 6 4 2
(c) 1s , 2s , 2p , 3s , 3p , 3d ,4s (d) 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2, 3px1, 3py1,3pz1
79. Which of the following is not true for a principal energy level having n = 3?
(a) There are three sub-shells (b) There are nine orbital
(c) There are a maximum of 18 electrons (d) There are six electrons with l = 2
80. The maximum number of electrons in p-orbital with n = 6 m = 0 is
(a) 2 (b) 6 (c) 10 (d) 14
81. Which of the following sets of quantum numbers is correct?
(a) n = 4, l = 3, m = + 4, x = +1/2 (b) n = 3, l = 2, m = + 3, s = -1/2
(c) n = 2, l = 2, m = + 2, s = +1/2 (d) n = 1, l = 0, m = 0, s = -1/2
82. For n = 4
(a) the total possible values of l are 3 (b) the highest value of l is 4
(c) the total number of possible values of m is 7 (d) the highest value of m is + 3
83. Which of the following orbital designation is not possible
(a) 5f (b) 5g (c) 7p (d) 3f
84. Nitrogen has the electronic configuration 1s2 2s2 2p1x 2p1y 2p1z and not 1s2 2s2 2p2x 2p1y 2p0z. This is
determined by
(a) Pauli’s exclusion principle (b) Aufbau principle
(c) uncertainty principle (d) Hund’s rule
85. The set of quantum numbers n, 1 and m for the valence electron of sodium (atomic number 11) is
(a) 3, 0, 0 (b) 3, 2, 1 (c) 3, 2, -2 (d) 2, 1, -1
86. The azimuthal quantum number value for 3p electron is
(a) 3 (b) 2 (c) 1 (d) 0
87. The fact that an orbital can accommodate a maximum of two electrons is deduced from
(a) Hund’s rule (b) Pauli’s exclusion principle
(c) Aufbau principle (d) uncertainty principle
88. Which of the following value of 1 is not possible for n = 4?
(a) 2 (b) 1 (c) 3 (d) 4
89. The number of orbitals in n = 3 quantum level is
(a) 6 (b) 18 (c) 9 (d) 12
90. The set of quantum numbers not applicable to an electron in an atom is
(a) n = 1, l = 0, m = 0, s = + ½ (b) n = 1, l = 1, m = 0, s = + ½
(c) n = 1, l = 0, m = 0, s = - ½ (d) n = 2, l = 1, m = 1, s = + ½
91. The energy of an electron is mainly determined by
(a) principal quantum number (b) azimuthal quantum number
 (c) magnetic quantum number (d) spin quantum number
92. The number of orbitals possible in a sub-shell with 1 = 3 is
(a) 3 (b) 5 (c) 6 (d) 7
93. Maximum number of electrons that can be placed in 2p sub-shell is
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) 8
94. Among the following which is the correct outermost configuration of Cu atom?
(a) 4s2 3d9 (b) 4s1 3d10 (c) 4s1 3d9 (d) 4s1 3d8
-2
95. The oxidation number of S in S is:
(a) –2 (b) 0 (c) –6 (d) +2
96. Magnetic quantum number specifies
(a) size of orbitals (b) shape of orbitals
(c) orientation of orbitals in space (d) spin angular momentum
97. Magnetic quantum number for the last electron in potassium is
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 3
98. Oxidation may be defined as:
(a) Addition of electron (b) Gain of electron
(c) Addition of hydrogen (d) Addition of oxygen
99. In an oxidation process, oxidation number:
(a) Decreases (b) Increases
(c) Does not change (d) First increases then decreases
100. The process in which oxidation number increases is known as:
(a) Oxidation (b) Reduction (c) Auto oxidation (d) None of the above
101. The oxidation number of hydrogen in LiH is:
(a) +1 (b) –1 (c) 2 (d) 0
102. The oxidation number of oxygen in O2 molecule is:
(a) 0 (b) –1/2 (c) –2 (d) +2
103. Oxidation State of oxygen in hydrogen peroxide is:
(a) –1 (b) +1 (c) 0 (d) –2
104. The Oxidation State of chlorine in KClO4 is:
(a) –1 (b) +1 (c) +7 (d) –7
105. The Oxidation State of Mn in K2 MnO4 is:
(a) +6 (b) –6 (c) +2 (d) –2
106. The oxidation number of N in NH3 is:
(a) +3 (b) –3 (c) +5 (d) 0

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Answers:

1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (d) 6. (d) 7. (c) 8. (a) 9. (c) 10. (b) 11. (c) 12. (d) 13. (c)
14. (d) 15. (d) 16. (d) 17. (b) 18. (b) 19. (a) 20. (c) 21. (d) 22. (d) 23. (d) 24. (c) 25. (a) 26. (c)
27. (b) 28. (a) 29. (a) 30. (b) 31. (b) 32. (c) 33. (a) 34. (d) 35. (d) 36. (a) 37. (a) 38. (c) 39. (d)
40. (a) 41. (c) 42. (a) 43. (b) 44. (b) 45. (a) 46. (b) 47. (a) 48. (b) 49. (c) 50. (b) 51. (a) 52. (c)
53. (c) 54. (a) 55. (a) 56. (c) 57. (a) 58. (d) 59. (c) 60. (c) 61. (c) 62. (a) 63. (a) 64. (b) 65. (b)
66. (c) 67. (b) 68. (b) 69. (a) 70. (d) 71. (b) 72. (c) 73. (d) 74. (c) 75. (b) 76. (c) 77. (c) 78. (d)
79. (d) 80. (b) 81. (d) 82. (c) 83. (b) 84. (d) 85. (a) 86. (c) 87. (b) 88. (d) 89. (b) 90. (b) 91. (a)
92. (d) 93. (c) 94. (b) 95. (a) 96. (c) 97. (a) 98. (d) 99. (b) 100. (a) 101. (b) 102. (a) 103. (a)
104. (c) 105. (a) 106. (b)
_____________________________________________________________________________________

I. ANSWER IN ONE OR TWO SENTENCES:

1. What is meant by an anu?
If an element is broken down into smaller and smaller and the process would end at the smallest
particle which cannot be broken any further and this particle is called an anu.

2. What is an atom?
An atom is an extremely small and indivisible particle. All matters are composed of such very tiny
particles called atoms. Atom is a Greek word that means indivisible.

3. Why Principal quantum number is called as major energy level?

Principal quantum number determines the energy shell in which the electron is revolving around
the nucleus. Hence it is also known as major energy level.
4. What is principal quantum number?
Principal quantum number determines the energy shell in which the electron is revolving around
the nucleus. It is represented by the symbol n and may have any integral value except zero.

5. What is Azimuthal quantum number?

Azimuthal quantum number represents the sub shell to which the electron belongs. It is denoted by
the symbol ‘l’ and may have any value form 0 to (n-1).

6. What is magnetic quantum number?

It represents the orientation of an atomic orbital in space and is denoted by the symbol ‘m’. ‘m’
depends upon the value of ‘l’. It may have all the integral values between-1 to +1 through 0 that is the
total number of values ‘m’ would be (2l + 1).

7. What is the orientation when m = 0?

The value of m = 0 denoted that the orbital has no orientation.

8. How many orientations are possible when m = 1?

The value of m = 1 denotes that it has three orbital with three types of orientations. They are px’ py
and pz. (i e l = - 1,0,+1)

9. Write the orientations when the value of m = 2?

The value of m = 2 denotes that it has five orbitals with five types of orientations. They are dxy’
dyz’ dzx’ dx2-y2 and dz2. (i e l = -2,-1,0,+1,+2)

10. What is spin quantum number?

Spin quantum number represents the direction of the spin of the electrons. The electron may spin
in the clockwise↑ direction or anticlockwise ↓ direction. Hence it can have two values namely either +1/2
or -1/2.

11. Draw the structure of an orbital and or orbit.

Diagram

12. Explain the term dual character of electron?

An electron behaves as if it is a particle as well as a wave. This is known as the dual nature of the
electron

13. How many orientations are possible for a p sub shell?

The ‘p’ subshell has three possible orientations. One along the x axis, (px) the other along the y
axis (by) and the other along the z axis.(pz)

14. A ‘2p’ orbital is filled first and then ‘3s’ orbital why? Give reason?
For 2p orbital n + l = 2 + 1 = 3.
For 3s orbital n +l = 3 + 0 =3.
According to (n + l) rule, ‘2p’ orbital is filled first before the ‘3s’ orbital.

15. Among 3d and 4p, which orbital is filled first? justfy your answer.
For a 3d orbital: n + l = 3 + 2 = 5.
For a 4s orbital: n + l = 4 + 1 = 5.
According to (n + l) rule, the ‘3d’ orbitals are filled first.

16. Arrange the following orbitals in their increasing order of their (n + l) value and hence their
energies? 4d, 5p, 4f.
(n + l) value for 4d orbital = 4 + 2 = 6.
(n + l) value for 5p orbital = 5 + 1 = 6.
(n + l) value for 4f orbital = 4 + 3 = 7.
Thus 4f orbital has the highest energy, among 4d and 5p orbitals, 4d orbital has lesser energy.
Hence the increasing order of energy is - 4d< 5p< 4f.

18. Using the box diagram, show the electrons in the appropriate orbitals, for Berylium (Z = 4) and
Fluorine (Z =9)?
Berylium 1s2 2s2
 ↑↓ ↑↓

Fluorine 1s2 2s2 2p5

↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑

19. Identify the oxidising agent and reducing agent in the following reactions?
(i) H2S + CI2 2HCI+ S
increase in ON

H2S + C12 2HC1 + S

Decrease in ON

The S-2 in H2S is oxidised to S. Hence it is a reducing agent. The oxidation number of chlorine is
decreased from zero to – 1. Hence it is reduced to C1-. It is the oxidising agent.

20. What is the oxidation number of Mn in KMnO4?

Oxidation number of K is +1 and O is -2. So,
+1 + x – 8 = 0
x-7=0
x = +7
The oxidation number of Mn in KMnO4 = +7.

21. What are energy levels?

The electrons is an atom revolve around the nucleus in two dimensional circular paths called orbits
which have a definite energy. These orbits with fixed energies are called the energy levels. They are K, L,
M, N, etc.

22. What are sub shells?

A given energy level consists of a definite number of sub levels with slightly different energies.
These sub levels of the given energy level are called sub-shells. They are s, p, d, f…

23. Give the electronic configuration of aluminium?

1S2 2S2 2P6 3S2 3P1

24. Write the electronic configuration of an element with atomic number 16s?

1S2 2S2 2P6 3S2 3P4

25. Calculate the oxidation number of Cr in Cr2O72-?

Oxidation number of oxygen is -2
2x + (7x – 2) = -2
2x – 4 = -2
2x = 12
x=+6
The oxidation number of Cr inCr2O72- is +7

26. An atomic orbital has (i) n = 4,(ii) n=2 What are the possible values of l?

(i) n = 4, the possible values of l will be between 0 and 3 Therefore the possible values of l are 0, 1, 2, 3.
(ii) n = 2, the possible values of l will be between 0 and 1. Therefore the possible values of l are 0, 1

27. Name the various types of atomic models.

1. Daltons model (1808)
2. J.J. Thomson model (1897)
3. Rutherford’s model (1911)
 4. Bohr’s model (1913)
5. Sommerfeld model
6. Quantum mechanical model of atom
28. Define orbit.
An orbit is a definite circular path, whereas an orbital represents the total volume where the electron spends
most of its time.

29. Define orbital.

An orbital may be defined as a region in the three dimensional space around the nucleus where the
probability of finding the electron is maximum.
30. Name the three fundamental particles of an atom? Who found this?
In 1886 Goldstein discovered proton ( 1H1 ).
In 1897 J.J. Thomson discovered electron ( –1e0 )
In 1932 Chadwick discovered neutron ( 0n1 ).
31. What are quantum numbers?
The numbers which designate and distinguish various atomic orbitals and electrons present in an atom are
called quantum numbers.
32. What are the four types of quantum numbers?
(i) Principal quantum number (n)
(ii) Azimuthal quantum number (l)
(iii) Magnetic quantum number (m)
(iv) Spin quantum number (s).
33. Define electronic configuration.
Distribution of electrons in different orbitals of the atom of an element is called electronic configuration.
34. What do you mean by redox reaction? Give example.
Chemical reactions involving simultaneous oxidation and reduction are called ‘redox reactions’.
Oxidation

Example: Fe3+ + Sn2+ Fe2+ + Sn4+

Reduction
35. Define Reducing agent. Give example.
A substance which gives one or more electrons to the other is called a reducing agent. In the above example,
Na is the reducing agent.
Na Na+ + e-
36. Define oxidizing agent. Give example.
A substance which accepts one or more electrons from the other is called an oxidizing agent.
F + e- F-
In the above example, Cl is the oxidizing agent.

37. What are nodal points and planes?

An orbital contain one or more points or planes where the probability of finding electron is zero. At such
points or planes, electron density is found to be equal to zero. Such points are called nodal points and such planes
are termed as nodal planes. The shapes of some orbitals are discussed below.

III. ANSWER IN BRIEF:

1. Discuss the importance at Hund’s rule in detail.
Importance of Hund’s rule:
This rule provides guidelines of filling electrons in the degenerate orbitals (orbitals having equal energies) of
an atom. According to this rule:
• If the number of electrons is equal to (or less than) the number of degenerate orbitals, then orbitals are singly
occupied.
• Pairing of electron spins takes place only when each one of the degenerate orbitals is singly occupied. This is
possible only when the number of electrons to be filled is greater than the number of degenerate orbitals.
Example I: In the case of nitrogen, there are 3 electrons to be filled in 2px, 2py and 2pz orbitals. According to
Hund’s rule one electron will be filled in each one of these degenerate orbitals as 2px1, 2py1, 2pz1.
1s2 2s2 2px 2py 2pz

↑↓ ↑↓ ↑ ↑ ↑

Example II: In the case of oxygen, there are 4 electrons to be filled in 2px, 2py and 2pz orbitals. In this case the
number of electrons exceeds the number of orbitals. According to Hund’s rule, each one of 2px, 2py and 2pz is singly
occupied. Afterwards, the fourth electron is filled in one of the singly occupied orbitals, but the spins of these two
electrons must be opposite ( ↑↓ ). This is shown as 2px2, 2py1, 2pz1.
1s2 2s2 2px 2py 2pz

↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑ ↑

2. Give the electronic configuration of element whose atomic numbers from 11 to 20.
Similarly the electronic configuration of atom from Sodium to Zinc is as given below.

Element Z Electronic
Name Symbol Atomic Configuration
Number
Sodium Na 11 [Ne] 3s1
Magnesium Mg 12 [Ne] 3s2
Aluminium Al 13 [Ne] 3s2 3p1
Silicon Si 14 [Ne] 3s2 3p2
Phosphorus P 15 [Ne] 3s2 3p3
Sulphur S 16 [Ne] 3s2 3p4
Chlorine Cl 17 [Ne] 3s2 3p5
Argon Ar 18 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 ≡ [Ar]
Pottassium K 19 [Ar] 4s1
Calcium Ca 20 [Ar] 4s2

3. Explain oxidation and reduction in terms of oxidation number.

A process in which the oxidation number of an element increases is called oxidation.
A process in which the oxidation number of an element decreases is called reduction.
eg: In the reaction,
2Fe+3 + Sn+2 → 2Fe+2 + Sn+4
Oxidation number of iron decreases from + 3 to + 2. It is reduction.
Oxidation number of tin increases from +2 to +4. It is oxidation.
This is a redox reaction in which ferric ion is reduced into ferrous ion and tin is oxidized from stannous form
to stannic.
4. What is wave mechanical model of an atom.
Based on the dual character of an electron and Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle. E. Schrodinger
in 1926 formulated a new model called quantum mechanical model of atom or wave mechanical model of
atom. He considered the electron as three-dimensional wave in electric field of the positively charged
nucleus. To describe the behaviour of electron waves, Schrodinger developed a mathematical equation
known as Schrodinger wave equation.

IV. ANSWER IN DETAIL:

1. Define oxidation number. Discuss the rules of oxidation number.
Oxidation number: Oxidation number is defined as the actual or apparent charge possessed by an atom of
the element in a compound.
Various rules to determine oxidation number are given below:
(i) In the elementary state, oxidation number of an atom is zero.
eg. O2, H2, S, Na etc.
(ii) In a monoatomic ion, charge on the ion itself represents oxidation number.
 eg. Oxidation numbers of Na+, Ba2+, Al3+, Cl–, S2– are +1, +2, +3, –1, –2 respectively.
(iii) Fluorine, the most electronegative element has an oxidation number –1, in all its compounds.
(iv) Oxidation number of hydrogen is always +1, in its compounds except metal hydrides (eg. LiH, NaH) in
which it is –1.
(v) Oxidation number of oxygen is –2 in all its compounds except in peroxides (eg. H2O2, Na2O2) and in OF2
where it is –1 and +2 respectively.
(vi) Oxidation number of alkali metals (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and Fr) is always +1 in their compounds.
(vii) Oxidation number of alkaline earth metals (Be, Mg, Ca, Ba, Sr, Ra) is always +2 in their compounds.
(viii) In a molecule, the sum of oxidation numbers of all the atoms should be zero.
(ix) In an ion, the sum of oxidation numbers of all the atoms is equal to charge on the ion.

2.Tabulate the various l, m values and the total number of electrons accommodated in K, L, M, N shells.
Principal Azimuthal Magnetic Quantum Total Number
Quantum Quantum Number m of
Number Number electrons
n l 2n2
l = 0; (1s) m=0 2 × 12 = 2
l = 0; (2s) m=0
l = 1; (2p) m = –1, 0, +1 2 × 22 = 8
l = 0; (3s) m=0
l = 1; (3p) m = –1, 0, +1 2 × 32 = 18
l = 2; (3d) m = –2, –1, 0, +1, +2
l = 0; (4s) m=0
l = 1; (4p) m = –1, 0, +1 2 × 42 = 32
l = 2; (4d) m = –2, –1, 0, +1, +2
l = 3; (4f) m = –3, –2, –1, 0, +1, +2, +3

TEXTBOOK PROBLEMS

NUMERICAL PROBLEMS IN QUANTAM NUMBERS (T.B. PAGE 15 & 16)

Example 1:
(a) An atomic orbital has n = 3. What are the possible values of l?
(b) An atomic orbital has l = 3. What are the possible values of m?
(c) An atomic orbital has n = 2. What are the possible values of l and m?
Solution:
(a) When n = 3, the possible values of l will be between 0 and 2. Therefore, the possible values of l will be
0, l and 2.
(b) When l = 3, the possible values of m are –3, – 2, – 1, 0, + 1, +2 and + 3.
(c) When n =2, the possible values of l are 0 and 1 while those of m are – 1, 0, +1.
Example 2:
Using the s, p, d, f notations, describe the orbitals with the following quantum numbers:
(a) n = 1, l = 0 (b) n = 2, l = 1 (c) n = 3, l = 0
(d) n = 4, l = 3 (e) n = 5, l = 2
Solution:
(a) 1s (b) 2p (c) 3s
(d) 4f (e) 5d
Example 3:
Designate the electrons having following sets of quantum numbers:
(a) n = 2, l = 0, m = 0, s = + ½
(b) n = 3, l =1, m = +1, s = + ½
(c) n = 1, l = 0, m = 0, s = – ½
Solution:
(a) The electron is present in 2s orbital and possesses a clockwise spin.
(b) The electron is present in 3pz orbital with a clockwise spin.
(c) The electron is present in 1s orbital and possesses an anticlockwise spin.
Example 4:
 Mention the values of n and l corresponding to the following orbitals.
(a) 1s (b) 2p (c) 3d
(d) 4f (e) 3s
Solution:
(a) n =1, l = 0 (c) n = 3, l = 2
(b) n = 2, l = 1 (d) n = 4, l = 3
(e) n = 3, l = 0

(TEXT BOOK PAGE 18 & 19)

Problem 1:
Calculate the oxidation number of sulphur in the following cases:
(a) H2S (b) H2S2O7
Solution:
Let the oxidation number of S be x.
(a) H2S: Oxidation number of H is +1.
∴ (+1 × 2) + x = 0
x = –2
(b) H2S2O7: Oxidation number of H is +1 and O is –2.
∴ (+1 × 2) + 2x + (–2 × 7) = 0
x = +6
Problem 2:
Calculate the oxidation number of chlorine in the following cases:
(a) NaClO3 (b) ClO4–
Solution:
Let the oxidation number of Cl be x.
(a) NaClO3 (sodium chlorate): Oxidation number of Na is +1 and O is –2.
∴ (+1) + x + (–2 × 3) = 0
x = +5
–
(b) ClO 4 (perchlorate ion): Oxidation number of O is –2.
∴ (x) + (– 2 × 4 ) = –1
x = +7

ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS
1.Calculate the oxidation number of:
(a) Mn in KmnO4 (b) Mn in MnO2
(c) O in H2O (d) S in H2SO4
Solution:
(a) Oxidation number of Mn in KmnO4 oxidation number of K is +1 and oxygen is -2
1 (+1) + x + 4 (– 2) = 0
1+x–8 = 0
x–7 = 0
x = +7
∴ The oxidation number of Mn in KmnO4 is +7.
(b) Oxidation number of Mn in MnO2
Oxidation number of oxygen is = – 2
Oxidation no of Mn = x
x + 2 (– 2) = 0
x–4 = 0
x = +4
∴ Oxidation no of Mn in MnO2 is +4.
(c) Oxidation number of O in H2O oxidation no of Hydrogen is +1
∴ 2 (+1) + x = 0
2+x = 0
 x = –2
∴ Oxidation number of ‘O’ in H2O is –2.
(d) Oxidation number of ‘S’ in H2SO4 oxidation number of Hydrogen is +1 and oxygen is –2.
2 (H) + 1(S) + 4(O) = 0
2 (+1) + 1(x) + 4 (–2) = 0
2+x = 8=0
x–6 = 0
x = +6
∴ Oxidation no of ‘S’ in H2SO4 is equal to ‘+6’.
2. Calculate the oxidation no of:
(a) Na in Na2O2 (b) Al in Al2O3
(c) N in HNO3 (d) Cl in HOCl (e) C in Co2
Solution:
(a) Oxidation number of Na in Na2O2
Oxidation number of CO2 is – 2
2 (x) + 2 (–2) = 0
2x – 4 = 0
2x = 4
x =
∴ x = +2.
∴ Oxidation number of Na in Na2O2 is = +2.
(b) Oxidation number of Al in Al2O3 Oxidation umber of O is –2
2 (x) + 3 (–2) = 0
2x–6 = 0
2x = 6
x =
x = +3
∴ Oxidation no of Al in Al2O3 is +3.
(c) Oxidation number of N in HNO3
Oxidation number of Hydrogen (H) is +1 and oxygen (O) is –2.
1 (1) + 1 (x) + 3(–2) = 0
1+x–6 = 0
x–5 = 0
x = +5
∴ Oxidation number of N in HNO3 is +5.
(d) Oxidation number of Cl in HOCl.
Oxidation number of H is +1 and O is –2
1 ( +1) + 1 (– 2) + x = 0
1–2+x = 0
x–1 = 0
x = +1
∴ Oxidation number of X in HOCl is +1.
(e) Oxidation number of C in CO2
Oxidation number of O is –2
∴ 1 (x) + 2 (–2) = 0
x–4 = 0
x = +4
∴ Oxidation number of ‘C’ in CO2 is +4.

3. Write down the electronic configurations of atoms having atomic number 7, 11, 15 and 20.
Solution: The electronic configurations of atoms are:
At. No.= 7: 1s2 2s2 2px1 2py1 2pz1 At. No.= 11: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1
 At. No.= 15: 1s2 2s2 2p6; 3s2 3px1 3py1 3pz1 At. No.= 20: 1s2 2p2 2p6; 3s2 3p6 4s2

4. Which of the following do and which do not make sense?

7p, 2d, 3s3, 3py3, 4f.
Solution: 7p :makes sense (There are no d-orbitals for n = 2)
2d : does not make sense
3
3s : does not make sense (3s-orbital cannot have more than two electrons)
3py3 : does not make sense (3py orbital cannot have more than two electrons)
4f : makes sense

5. An atom has 2 electrons in the first (K) shell, 8 electrons in the second (L) shell and 2 electrons in the third
(M) shell. Give its electronic configuration and find out the following:
(a) Atomic number (b) Total number of principal quantum numbers (c) Total number of sub-levels (d)
Total number of s –orbitals (e) Total number of p-electrons.
Solution: The electronic configuration of the atom is:
1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2
(a) Atomic number = 2+2+6+2 = 12
(b) Number of principal quantum numbers = 3
(c) Number of sub –levels = 4 (1s, 2s, 2p, 3s)
(d) Number of s-orbitals = 3 (1s, 2s, 3s)
(e) Total number of p-electrons = 6.

6. What is the maximum number of unpaired electrons in Cu (Z = 29), Br- (Z = 35) and K+ (Z = 19)?
Solution:

Cu (Z = 29) : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s1 Unpaired electrons = 1
Br (Z = 35) : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p5
Br- (36e) : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 Unpaired electrons = 0
K (Z = 19) : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s1
K+ (18e) : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 Unpaired electrons = 0

7. Arrange the electrons represented by the following sets of quantum numbers in the decreasing
order of energy for a multielectron atom:
(i)n = 4, l = 0, m = 0, s = + ½ (ii) n = 3, l = 1, m = 1, s = - ½
(iii) n = 3, l = 2, m = 0, s = + ½ (iv) n = 3, l = 0, m = 0, s = - ½

Solution. These represent the subshells

(i) 4s (ii) 3p (iii) 3d (iv) 3s
Order of decreasing energy:
3d > 4s > 3p > 3s or (iii) > (i) > (ii) > (iv)

8. From the following sets of quantum numbers, state which are possible. Explain why the others
are not possible:
(i) n = 0, l = 0, m = 0, s = + ½ (ii) n = 1, l = 0, m = 0, s = - ½ (iii) n = 1, l = 1, m = 0, s = + ½
(iv) n = 1, l = 0, m = +1, s = + ½ (v) n = 2, l = 1, m = -1, s = - ½ (vi) n = 2, l = 2, m = 0, s = - ½

Solution: From the knowledge of possible values of quantum numbers, we can predict the possibilities of
various sets of quantum numbers (ii), (v), (vi) are possible. The others are not possible because of the
following reasons:

(i) n = 0, l = 0, m = 0, s = + ½ : n cannot have value equal to zero

(iii) n = 1, l = 1, m = 0, s = + ½ : For n = 1, l cannot be equal to 1
(iv) n = 1, l = 0, m = +1, s = + ½ : For l = 0, m cannot be equal to +1
(vi) n = 2, l = 2, m = 0, s = - ½ : For n = 2, l cannot be equal to 2.
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