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1986

JEE Main 1986 Chemistry question on Atomic Structure

Which one of the following sets of quantum numbers represents an impossible arrangement?

nlms\quad n \quad\quad l \quad\quad m \quad\quad s
  1. A.
    n=3,l=2,m=−2,s=+12n=3,\quad l=2,\quad m=-2,\quad s=+\dfrac{1}{2}
  2. B.
    n=4,l=0,m=0,s=+12n=4,\quad l=0,\quad m=0,\quad s=+\dfrac{1}{2}
  3. C.
    n=3,l=2,m=−3,s=+12n=3,\quad l=2,\quad m=-3,\quad s=+\dfrac{1}{2}
  4. D.
    n=5,l=3,m=0,s=−12n=5,\quad l=3,\quad m=0,\quad s=-\dfrac{1}{2}
Show answer and solution

Correct option: C

Solution

For a given value of l, the magnetic quantum number m must satisfy -l ≤ m ≤ +l. In option 3, l = 2, so m can only range from -2 to +2. A value of m = -3 falls outside this allowed range, making this combination impossible. All other sets satisfy the rules (l < n, and m within ±l).

[1986]

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