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Please how can I identify an element given only the four quantum numbers [n, l, ml and ms]. I have read many article on it, but, I don't understand it.
johnydon22, dekatron, teempakguy.
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An atom has a core and outside the core an electron occupies an orbital for which the principal quantum number n=4, l=0, m=0 and s=+½ or -½. The atom is likely to be....
A. boron B. sodium C. potassium D. fluorine
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That is the question that spurred me to reread quantum numbers. From last year OAU PUTME.

Please johnydon22, if you can help me with simpler language so that I will be able to answer another similar question.

Electgineer99:
Please johnydon22, if you can help me with simpler language so that I will be able to answer another similar question.

It is very complex chemistry/physics that i too don't grasps too well..

The model of a three dimensional space for electron allows electron a three dimensional space which demands three co-ordinates.

n, i, m

n is the principal quantum number that describes the size of the orbital. . n=4 is bigger than n=3 and thus goes.

i[/b] is the angular quantum number that describes the shape of the orbital.. an orbital which the value i= 0 is spherical, i= 1 has a polar shape (two ends pointing at the opposite directions) i=2 has a clover shape (4 ends pointing at opposite directions) and so it goes on and takes on more complex shapes as the angular quantum number increases.

[i]m the magnetic quantum number that describes the orientation of a particular orbital in space.

I can't really figure out a simple way to break this down because it's just too complex...

http://chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genchem/topicreview/bp/ch6/quantum.html

this can help better than i ever can...

Electgineer99:
An atom has a core and outside the core an electron occupies an orbital for which the principal quantum number n=4, l=0, m=0 and s=+½ or -½. The atom is likely to be....
A. boron B. sodium C. potassium D. fluorine
.
.
.
That is the question that spurred me to reread quantum numbers. From last year OAU PUTME.

most likely .. C is the answer..

I suggest a visual method of learning here, search for quantum numbers on youtube, the illustrations and visual effects will make it easier to understand