Q.What is the total number of orbitals associated with the principal quantum number n = 3?
Concept understanding — Energy Level Quantization
Energy Level Quantization: From Intuition to Precision
Imagine you're climbing a smooth ramp. You can stop at any height — 1 metre, 1.5 metres, 2.1 metres — anywhere you like. That's how we intuitively think about energy in everyday life: continuous, like a slide.
Now imagine a staircase. You can stand on step 1, step 2, or step 3 — but you cannot stand halfway between step 2 and step 3. There's no such place. The steps are discrete, not continuous.
Energy level quantization is the idea that in the microscopic world of atoms and molecules, energy behaves like a staircase, not a ramp. Electrons in an atom cannot have just any energy — they can only occupy specific, allowed energy levels. Everything else is forbidden.
Why does this happen? The core intuition
In the classical world, an electron orbiting a nucleus would continuously radiate energy, spiral inward, and crash — atoms would be unstable. But atoms are stable. Nature solved this problem by imposing a rule: the electron's angular momentum (and therefore its energy) can only take certain discrete values.
Think of a guitar string. It can only vibrate at specific frequencies — its fundamental and harmonics. You can't pluck it to produce a frequency halfway between two harmonics. The string's vibration is quantized by its boundaries. Similarly, an electron bound to a nucleus is confined in space, and that confinement forces its energy to be quantized.
Quantization is not a mysterious extra rule — it emerges naturally whenever a wave (like an electron's matter wave) is confined. Confinement creates standing waves, and standing waves only exist at specific frequencies.
The precise statement
For a bound system (like an electron in an atom), the total energy E of the system can only take certain discrete values:
E=E1,E2,E3,…
where each En is a specific, fixed number. The integer n (1, 2, 3, …) is called the principal quantum number. The lowest energy level (n=1) is the ground state; higher levels (n>1) are excited states.
For the hydrogen atom, the allowed energies are given by:
En=−n213.6 eV
So:
- n=1: E1=−13.6 eV (ground state)
- n=2: E2=−3.4 eV
- n=3: E3=−1.51 eV
- and so on, approaching 0 eV as n→∞ (the ionization limit)
The negative sign means the electron is bound to the nucleus. Zero energy corresponds to the electron being free (ionized). The more negative the energy, the more tightly bound the electron.
How do we know this is real?
The most direct evidence comes from atomic spectra. When an electron jumps from a higher energy level to a lower one, it emits a photon of light with energy exactly equal to the difference:
ΔE=Ehigher−Elower=hf
where h is Planck's constant and f is the frequency of the emitted light.
Since only specific energy differences exist, only specific frequencies of light are emitted — producing a line spectrum (discrete bright lines), not a continuous rainbow. This is exactly what we observe in experiments.
A common mistake is to think quantization means energy is always "chunky" in the macroscopic world. It's not — quantization effects are only noticeable when the energy gaps are comparable to the energies involved. For a moving cricket ball, the allowed energy levels are so close together they appear continuous. Quantization is a microscopic phenomenon.
The key takeaway
Energy level quantization is not an arbitrary assumption — it's a consequence of wave confinement in bound systems. It explains why atoms are stable, why they emit only specific colours of light, and why the microscopic world is fundamentally discrete rather than continuous. The staircase, not the ramp, is how nature works at the smallest scales.
Energy level quantization in the hydrogen atom, expressed as E_n = -13.6 eV / n^2, is one of the most tested formulas in the NCERT Class 12 Physics Atoms chapter, and "energy level quantization formula and derivation" is a frequent search among CBSE board and JEE Main/NEET aspirants. This concept also directly explains atomic line spectra, a connection that appears often in "atoms and molecules important questions" for competitive exams.
Concept: Energy Level Quantization – each principal quantum number n contains subshells characterized by azimuthal quantum number ℓ, and each subshell holds a specific number of orbitals.
For n=3, the allowed values of ℓ range from 0 to n−1, giving ℓ=0,1,2 (corresponding to 3s, 3p, and 3d subshells).
Each subshell with azimuthal quantum number ℓ contains exactly (2ℓ+1) orbitals:
- 3s (ℓ=0): 2(0)+1=1 orbital
- 3p (ℓ=1): 2(1)+1=3 orbitals
- 3d (ℓ=2): 2(2)+1=5 orbitals
Total orbitals = 1+3+5=9, which matches the general formula n2=32=9.
The total number of orbitals for n=3 is 9.
Each principal quantum number n contains n2 orbitals. For n=3, there are 9 orbitals total (one 3s, three 3p, and five 3d).
Why n2 orbitals?
The principal quantum number n determines the shell, but within each shell electrons occupy different types of orbitals (subshells) with different shapes and orientations. The total number of orbitals isn't arbitrary—it emerges directly from the allowed values of the angular momentum quantum number l and the magnetic quantum number ml.
For a given n, the angular momentum quantum number can take values l=0,1,2,…,(n−1). Each value of l defines a subshell (s, p, d, f, etc.), and within each subshell, the magnetic quantum number ml ranges from −l to +l, giving (2l+1) orbitals.
The total count is the sum over all allowed subshells:
Total orbitals=∑l=0n−1(2l+1)
This sum always equals n2—a beautiful result that connects quantum mechanics to simple arithmetic.
Counting orbitals for n=3
Let's work through the third shell systematically.
1. Identify allowed subshells
For n=3, the angular momentum quantum number l can be 0,1, or 2:
- l=0 → 3s subshell
- l=1 → 3p subshell
- l=2 → 3d subshell
2. Count orbitals in each subshell
Each subshell contains (2l+1) orbitals because ml takes that many values:
| Subshell | l | ml values | Number of orbitals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3s | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 3p | 1 | −1,0,+1 | 3 |
| 3d | 2 | −2,−1,0,+1,+2 | 5 |
3. Sum across all subshells
Total=1+3+5=9
Alternatively, using the formula directly:
n2=32=9
The pattern 1+3+5+… (sum of the first n odd numbers) always equals n2. This is why the orbital count is so clean.
Don't confuse the number of orbitals with the number of electrons. Each orbital can hold 2 electrons (spin up and spin down), so n=3 can accommodate up to 2n2=18 electrons total.
The total number of orbitals for n=3 is 9.
Showing the 12 most recent of 16 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.Match the following
[!FORMULA] List-1 (Element)A HfB RaC AmD AtList-2 (Block)I s-blockII p-BlockIII d-BlockIV f-Block
(A) A – IV, B – III, C – I, D – II (B) A – II, B – III, C – IV, D – I (C) A – III, B – IV, C – I, D – II (D) A – III, B – I, C – IV, D – II›Reveal solutionSolution
The problem asks to match each element (Hf, Ra, Am, At) to its block in the periodic table (s, p, d, f). The correct matches are: Hf (d-block), Ra (s-block), Am (f-block), At (p-block), so the answer is option (D).
The periodic table is organized into blocks based on which subshell (s, p, d, or f) the element’s outermost electrons occupy. This is determined by the element’s electron configuration, which follows the Aufbau principle. The key is to know the position of each element in the periodic table, or to deduce its block from its group and period.
Let’s match each element step by step:
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Hf (Hafnium)
- Hafnium is element 72. It lies in period 6, group 4.
- Group 4 elements are transition metals, which are always in the d-block.
- Its electron configuration ends in 5d26s2, confirming it’s a d-block element.
- So A matches III (d-block).
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Ra (Radium)
- Radium is element 88, in period 7, group 2.
- Group 2 elements are alkaline earth metals, which are in the s-block (the last electron enters the s subshell).
- Configuration: [Rn]7s2.
- So B matches I (s-block).
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Am (Americium)
- Americium is element 95, an actinide.
- Actinides are part of the f-block (the 5f subshell is being filled).
- Configuration: [Rn]5f77s2.
- So C matches IV (f-block).
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At (Astatine)
- Astatine is element 85, in period 6, group 17 (halogens).
- Group 17 elements are in the p-block (the last electron enters a p subshell).
- Configuration: [Xe]4f145d106p5.
- So D matches II (p-block).
Thus the correct pairing is: A–III, B–I, C–IV, D–II. Looking at the options, this corresponds to option (D).
Watch outA common mistake is to confuse Radium (Ra) with a d-block element because it’s a metal, but it’s actually an s-block alkaline earth metal. Similarly, Americium (Am) is often misclassified as a d-block element, but it’s an f-block actinide.
TipRemember the block boundaries: groups 1-2 are s-block, groups 3-12 are d-block, groups 13-18 are p-block, and the two rows below (lanthanides and actinides) are f-block. This makes matching quick without needing full configurations.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D).
ANSWER: D
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- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-FN1 markMCQQ.The energy of orbit X of Li2+ (Z = 3) is −2.18×10−18 J. What is the radius of the same orbit (in A˚)? (A) 2.116 (B) 2.105 (C) 1.587 (D) 2.645
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to use the Bohr model for hydrogen-like ions: energy depends on n2/Z2 and radius on n2/Z. Given the energy of Li2+, we first find the principal quantum number n, then compute the radius. The radius comes out to 1.587A˚, so the correct option is (C).
We are dealing with a hydrogen-like ion (Li2+ has only one electron, so the Bohr model applies exactly). In the Bohr model, the energy of an electron in orbit n for a nucleus of charge Z is:
En=−n2Z2⋅13.6eV
But here the energy is given in joules. The ground-state energy of hydrogen (Z=1, n=1) is −13.6eV=−2.18×10−18J. So we can write:
En=−n2Z2×(2.18×10−18J)
For Li2+, Z=3, and we are told En=−2.18×10−18J. That means:
−n232×(2.18×10−18)=−2.18×10−18
Cancelling the common factor:
n29=1⇒n2=9⇒n=3
So the electron is in the third Bohr orbit.
Now, the radius of the nth orbit for a hydrogen-like ion is:
rn=Zn2a0
where a0=0.529A˚ is the Bohr radius.
Plug in n=3, Z=3:
r3=332×0.529A˚=39×0.529=3×0.529=1.587A˚
Thus the radius is 1.587A˚.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that the given energy (−2.18×10−18 J) is exactly the hydrogen ground-state energy. Students sometimes plug numbers into formulas without noticing that this immediately forces n=3 for Li2+.
TipNotice that the energy given is numerically the same as the hydrogen ground-state energy. Since energy scales as Z2/n2, for Z=3 we need n=3 to get the same value. This shortcut saves time.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-04-FN1 markMCQQ.The atomic numbers of four elements A, D, E, G are 4, 7, 8, 12 respectively. The decreasing order of electronegativity of these elements is (A) E, D, A, G (B) E, A, D, G (C) D, G, E, A (D) G, A, D, E
›Reveal solutionSolution
Electronegativity increases across a period and decreases down a group. Using the periodic table positions of elements with atomic numbers 4 (Be), 7 (N), 8 (O), and 12 (Mg), the decreasing order is E, D, A, G, which corresponds to option (A).
The key to ordering electronegativity is understanding the periodic trends. Electronegativity — the ability of an atom to attract shared electrons in a bond — increases as you move from left to right across a period (because nuclear charge increases while atomic radius decreases) and decreases as you move down a group (because the valence shell gets farther from the nucleus, reducing attraction). So the first step is to identify each element from its atomic number and place it in the periodic table.
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Identify the elements.
Atomic number 4 is beryllium (Be, group 2, period 2).
Atomic number 7 is nitrogen (N, group 15, period 2).
Atomic number 8 is oxygen (O, group 16, period 2).
Atomic number 12 is magnesium (Mg, group 2, period 3).
So A = Be, D = N, E = O, G = Mg.
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Compare elements in the same period.
Be, N, and O are all in period 2. Across a period, electronegativity increases from left to right. The order in period 2 (lowest to highest) is: Be < B < C < N < O < F. So among these three:
Be (A) has the lowest, then N (D), then O (E) has the highest.
So far: E > D > A.
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Place the element from the next period.
Mg (G) is directly below Be in group 2. Down a group, electronegativity decreases. So Mg has a lower electronegativity than Be. Since Be is already the lowest among the period-2 elements, Mg is even lower.
So the full decreasing order is: O (E) > N (D) > Be (A) > Mg (G).
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that Mg is below Be in group 2 and assume it has a higher electronegativity because it has more protons. But the increase in atomic radius and additional shielding dominate, making Mg less electronegative than Be.
- Match with the options. The sequence E, D, A, G corresponds exactly to option (A).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
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- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-05-FN1 markMCQQ.A metal was irradiated separately with radiation of wavelengths(a) 400 nm(b) 500 nm and(c) 600 nm respectively. Identify the wavelength(s) corresponding to which electrons are emitted from the surface of that metal (Work function of metal = 2.25 eV, h=6.6×10−34 Js, c=3×108 ms−1, 1eV =1.6×10−19 J) (A)(a) only (B)(c) only (C) (a),(b) &(c) (D)(a) &(b) only
›Reveal solutionSolution
The photoelectric effect requires the incident photon energy to exceed the metal’s work function. Only wavelengths shorter than the threshold wavelength cause emission. Here, only 400 nm and 500 nm satisfy this, so the answer is (D).
The core idea is the photoelectric effect: an electron is ejected from a metal surface only if the energy of an incident photon is at least equal to the work function ϕ of the metal. The photon energy is E=λhc, so for a given work function, there is a maximum wavelength (threshold wavelength λ0) beyond which no emission occurs. Any wavelength shorter than λ0 will cause emission; any longer will not.
We are given ϕ=2.25 eV, h=6.6×10−34 Js, c=3×108 m/s, and 1 eV =1.6×10−19 J. The three wavelengths are 400 nm, 500 nm, and 600 nm. We need to compare each photon’s energy to ϕ.
- Find the threshold wavelength λ0. Set the photon energy equal to the work function:
λ0hc=ϕ
Convert ϕ to joules:
ϕ=2.25×1.6×10−19=3.6×10−19 J
Then
λ0=ϕhc=3.6×10−19(6.6×10−34)(3×108)
Calculate:
λ0=3.6×10−1919.8×10−26=5.5×10−7 m=550 nm
So the threshold wavelength is 550 nm. Any wavelength shorter than 550 nm will eject electrons; any longer will not.
- Compare each given wavelength to λ0.
- 400 nm < 550 nm → photon energy > work function → electrons emitted.
- 500 nm < 550 nm → photon energy > work function → electrons emitted.
- 600 nm > 550 nm → photon energy < work function → no emission.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget unit conversion. The work function is given in eV, but h and c are in SI units. Always convert ϕ to joules before plugging into hc/λ, or convert hc to eV·nm for a shortcut. Here, hc≈1240 eV·nm, so λ0=1240/2.25≈551 nm — same result.
- Identify the correct option. Emission occurs for 400 nm and 500 nm only. That matches option (D): (a) & (b) only.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D).
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-FN1 markMCQQ.In which of the following options, elements are correctly arranged in the increasing order of their atomic radius? (A) Si < P < Na < N < F (B) Na < Si < P < N < F (C) F < N < P < Si < Na (D) N < F < Si < P < Na
›Reveal solutionSolution
Atomic radius increases down a group and decreases across a period; by applying periodic trends, the correct increasing order is F < N < P < Si < Na, which corresponds to option (C).
The key concept here is periodic trends in atomic radius. As you move left to right across a period, the nuclear charge increases, pulling electrons closer and making the atom smaller. As you move down a group, new electron shells are added, making the atom larger. To compare radii of different elements, you need to place them in the periodic table and apply these two rules together.
Let’s work through the options step by step.
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Identify the positions of the elements
- Na (sodium): Group 1, Period 3
- Si (silicon): Group 14, Period 3
- P (phosphorus): Group 15, Period 3
- N (nitrogen): Group 15, Period 2
- F (fluorine): Group 17, Period 2
-
Compare within the same period
In Period 3: Na, Si, P. Atomic radius decreases from left to right:
Na>Si>P
In Period 2: N and F. Atomic radius decreases left to right:
N>F
-
Compare across periods
Elements in Period 2 (N, F) are smaller than any element in Period 3 because they have fewer electron shells. So the smallest atoms overall are F and N.
Between N and F: F is smaller (further right in Period 2).
So the smallest is F, then N.
-
Order the Period 3 elements
After N, the next smallest is P (Period 3, far right), then Si (Period 3, middle), and the largest is Na (Period 3, far left).
So the full increasing order is:
F<N<P<Si<Na
- Match with the options
- (A) Si < P < Na < N < F → wrong (N and F are smallest, not largest)
- (B) Na < Si < P < N < F → wrong (Na is largest, not smallest)
- (C) F < N < P < Si < Na → correct
- (D) N < F < Si < P < Na → wrong (F is smaller than N)
TipA common mistake is forgetting that elements in higher periods are always larger than those in lower periods, even if they are far to the right. For example, P (Period 3) is larger than N (Period 2), even though P is to the right of Si.
Watch outDo not compare atomic radii by atomic number alone — periodic trends depend on both shell number and nuclear charge. For instance, N (Z=7) is smaller than Si (Z=14) because N has fewer shells, not because of atomic number.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-04-29-FN1 markMCQQ.According to Bohr’s theory of hydrogen atom the approximate angular momentum of electron in H atom in the ground state is (h=6.62×10−34 Js) (A) 1.05×10−34 J (B) 1.05×10−34 Js (C) 6.62×10+34 J (D) 6.62×10−34 Jm
›Reveal solutionSolution
According to Bohr's theory, the angular momentum of an electron in a stable orbit is quantized. For the ground state (n=1) of the hydrogen atom, the angular momentum is L=2πh, which evaluates to approximately 1.05×10−34 Js.
The Bohr model of the hydrogen atom introduced several revolutionary postulates to explain the stability of atoms and the discrete nature of atomic spectra. One of its key postulates was the quantization of angular momentum. This means that an electron can only revolve in certain specific orbits, and in these orbits, its angular momentum must be an integral multiple of a fundamental constant.
This postulate directly addresses a major problem with classical physics: according to classical electromagnetism, an electron orbiting a nucleus should continuously radiate energy and spiral into the nucleus. Bohr proposed that electrons in these "stationary orbits" do not radiate energy, and the condition for these stable orbits is that the electron's angular momentum is quantized.
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Recall Bohr's Quantization Condition for Angular Momentum:
According to Bohr's theory, the angular momentum (L) of an electron in a stationary orbit is quantized. It can only take on discrete values given by the formula:
L=n2πh
where:
- L is the angular momentum of the electron.
- n is the principal quantum number, which can be 1,2,3,… (corresponding to the first, second, third, etc., allowed orbits).
- h is Planck's constant.
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Identify the Principal Quantum Number for the Ground State:
The question asks for the angular momentum of the electron in the ground state of the hydrogen atom. The ground state corresponds to the lowest energy level, which means the principal quantum number n=1.
-
Substitute Values and Calculate:
We are given Planck's constant h=6.62×10−34 Js.
For the ground state, n=1.
Substitute these values into the formula:
L=1×2π6.62×10−34 Js
Using π≈3.14159:
L=2×3.141596.62×10−34 Js
L=6.283186.62×10−34 Js
L≈1.0536×10−34 Js
Rounding to two decimal places, we get:
L≈1.05×10−34 Js
-
Compare with Options:
Let's examine the given options:
(A) 1.05×10−34 J (Incorrect unit; angular momentum is in Js)
(B) 1.05×10−34 Js (Correct value and unit)
(C) 6.62×10+34 J (Incorrect magnitude and unit)
(D) 6.62×10−34 Jm (Incorrect magnitude and unit)
The calculated value matches option (B).
ImportantThe quantity 2πh is often denoted by ℏ (read as "h-bar" or "reduced Planck's constant"). So, Bohr's quantization condition can be written as L=nℏ. The angular momentum in the ground state (n=1) is simply ℏ.
✓Final answerThe approximate angular momentum of the electron in the ground state of the hydrogen atom is 1.05×10−34 Js.
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- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.The wavelength of second line of Balmer series of hydrogen atom is λ nm. What is the wavelength of first line of Lyman series of He+ ion (in nm)? (A) 16λ (B) λ16 (C) 3λ16 (D) 163λ
›Reveal solutionSolution
Balmer 2nd line of H gives λ1=163R; the first Lyman line of He+ then has wavelength 16λ.
Using the Rydberg formula λ1=RZ2(n121−n221).
Second line of the Balmer series of H (Z=1, n1=2, and the second line is n2=4):
λ1=R(1)2(221−421)=R(41−161)=R⋅163.
So R=3λ16.
First line of the Lyman series of He+ (Z=2, n1=1, first line is n2=2):
λ′1=R(2)2(121−221)=4R⋅43=3R.
Therefore
λ′=3R1=3⋅3λ161=16λ.
✓Final answerλ′=16λ nm — option (A).
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.In which of the following options, the elements are correctly arranged with respect to their negative electron gain enthalpies? (A) P > S > Cl > F (B) S > P > F > Cl (C) Cl > F > S > P (D) F > Cl > P > S
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is that electron gain enthalpy (EA) becomes more negative across a period, but anomalies occur due to atomic size and electron repulsion. The correct order is Cl > F > S > P, which corresponds to option (C).
The concept here is electron gain enthalpy — the energy change when an atom gains an electron to form a negative ion. A more negative value means a stronger tendency to accept an electron. While we might expect a simple trend (more negative across a period, less negative down a group), exceptions arise because of small atomic size (leading to electron-electron repulsion) and half-filled/full-filled stability.
Let’s reason through the given elements: P, S, Cl, F.
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Chlorine vs. Fluorine
Chlorine has a more negative electron gain enthalpy than fluorine. Why? Fluorine is very small; when it gains an electron, the incoming electron experiences strong repulsion from the electrons already present. Chlorine is larger, so the added electron is less repelled and more easily accommodated. Thus, Cl > F in negativity.
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Sulfur vs. Phosphorus
Sulfur is to the right of phosphorus in the same period. Across a period, nuclear charge increases, making electron gain more exothermic. So sulfur has a more negative EA than phosphorus: S > P.
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Comparing the two groups
Now we need to place all four in order. Chlorine is the most negative overall. Fluorine is less negative than chlorine but still more negative than sulfur? Actually, fluorine’s EA is less negative than chlorine’s but still more negative than sulfur’s. However, sulfur’s EA is more negative than phosphorus’s. So the descending order of negativity is:
Cl > F > S > P.
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Checking the options
- (A) P > S > Cl > F — wrong, reverses the trend.
- (B) S > P > F > Cl — wrong, places Cl last.
- (C) Cl > F > S > P — matches our reasoning.
- (D) F > Cl > P > S — wrong, overestimates F and misorders S and P.
Watch outA common mistake is to assume fluorine has the most negative EA because it is the most electronegative. But EA and electronegativity are different; the small size of fluorine causes extra repulsion, lowering its EA relative to chlorine.
TipRemember the mnemonic: “Chlorine wins the electron contest, fluorine is second despite being small, sulfur beats phosphorus, and phosphorus is last.”
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
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- TG EAPCET 2023Set ap-2023-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.The radius of third orbit of Li2+ ion is x nm. The radius of fourth orbit of He+ ion (in nm) is (A) 83x (B) 38x (C) 32x (D) 23x
›Reveal solutionSolution
The radius of a hydrogen-like orbit scales as n2/Z. Using the given radius x for Li2+ (third orbit), the radius of the fourth orbit of He+ comes out to 38x.
The key idea here is the Bohr radius formula for hydrogen-like ions. For any one-electron species (nucleus of charge +Ze with a single electron), the radius of the nth orbit is given by:
rn=Zn2a0
where a0 is the Bohr radius (a constant, about 0.529A˚). The formula comes from balancing the Coulomb attraction with the centripetal force and quantising angular momentum — but for this problem, all you need is the proportionality: rn∝n2/Z.
Let’s work through it step by step.
- Write the radius for Li2+. For Li2+, the atomic number Z=3 (lithium has 3 protons). The third orbit means n=3. So:
rLi2+,n=3=332a0=39a0=3a0
This is given as x nm. So x=3a0.
- Write the radius for He+. For He+, Z=2 (helium has 2 protons). The fourth orbit means n=4. So:
rHe+,n=4=242a0=216a0=8a0
- Express the He+ radius in terms of x. Since x=3a0, we have a0=x/3. Substitute:
rHe+,n=4=8⋅3x=38x
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that Z appears in the denominator. Students sometimes write rn∝n2Z by misremembering the formula. Always check: a higher nuclear charge pulls the electron in tighter, so radius decreases with Z — hence n2/Z.
TipYou can also solve this without ever writing a0 explicitly. Just take the ratio:
rLi2+,3rHe+,4=(32/3)(42/2)=9/316/2=38
So rHe+,4=38x directly. This ratio method is faster and avoids constants.
✓Final answerThe radius of the fourth orbit of He+ is 38x, which corresponds to option (B).
- TG EAPCET 2023Set ap-2023-05-11-FN1 markMCQQ.Number of lone pairs of electrons present in Xenon atom of XeF2, XeF4 and XeF6 respectively are (A) 1, 2, 0 (B) 3, 2, 0 (C) 3, 1, 1 (D) 3, 2, 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
The number of lone pairs on the central xenon atom is determined by its total valence electrons minus the number of bonds formed. For XeF2, XeF4, and XeF6, the lone pairs are 3, 2, and 1 respectively, which corresponds to option (D).
The key idea is that xenon, being a noble gas, has 8 valence electrons. In each of these fluorides, it forms single bonds with fluorine atoms, using one electron per bond. The remaining electrons stay as lone pairs on xenon. The geometry around xenon is determined by the total number of electron pairs (bonding + lone), following the VSEPR theory.
Let’s work through each molecule step by step.
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XeF2
Xenon has 8 valence electrons. It forms 2 bonds with fluorine atoms, using 2 electrons. That leaves 8−2=6 electrons, which form 3 lone pairs.
The total electron pairs around Xe = 2 bonding + 3 lone = 5 pairs, giving a trigonal bipyramidal electron geometry. The lone pairs occupy the equatorial positions, making the molecule linear.
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XeF4
Xenon forms 4 bonds, using 4 electrons. Remaining electrons: 8−4=4, which form 2 lone pairs.
Total electron pairs = 4 bonding + 2 lone = 6 pairs, giving an octahedral electron geometry. The lone pairs occupy opposite positions (trans), making the molecule square planar.
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XeF6
Xenon forms 6 bonds, using 6 electrons. Remaining electrons: 8−6=2, which form 1 lone pair.
Total electron pairs = 6 bonding + 1 lone = 7 pairs. The geometry is distorted octahedral (or pentagonal bipyramidal in electron pair arrangement), with the lone pair causing distortion.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that xenon can expand its octet. It uses d-orbitals to accommodate more than 8 electrons in bonding, but the lone pair count is still based on the original 8 valence electrons minus the number of bonds.
Thus, the lone pairs are 3, 2, and 1 respectively.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) 3, 2, 1.
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- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-13-AN1 markMCQQ.What is the approximate angular momentum (in J s) of electron in hydrogen atom in its ground state? (h=6.625×10−34 J s) (A) 2110×10−37 (B) 2110×10−36 (C) 1055×10−34 (D) 1055×10−36
›Reveal solutionSolution
The angular momentum of an electron in the ground state of hydrogen is quantized as 2πh, which evaluates to approximately 1.055×10−34J s, matching option (C).
The key idea here is Bohr’s quantization condition for angular momentum. In the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, the electron’s angular momentum in a stationary state is an integer multiple of 2πh. For the ground state (n=1), this is simply 2πh. The problem tests whether you recall this fundamental quantum condition and can compute the numerical value correctly, paying attention to powers of ten.
- Recall Bohr’s postulate Bohr proposed that the angular momentum L of an electron in a hydrogen atom is quantized as:
L=n2πh
where n is the principal quantum number (1, 2, 3, …) and h is Planck’s constant.
- Apply to the ground state For the ground state, n=1, so:
L=2πh
- Substitute the given value of h h=6.625×10−34J s. Thus:
L=2π6.625×10−34
- Compute numerically 2π≈6.2832. So:
L≈6.28326.625×10−34≈1.0545×10−34J s
This is approximately 1.055×10−34J s.
- Match with the options Option (C) is 1055×10−34, which is 1.055×10−34 when written in proper scientific notation. The other options have incorrect powers of ten or wrong coefficients.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget the factor 2π and simply take L=h, which would give 6.625×10−34 — not among the options, but close to 1055×10−34 if you misplace the decimal. Always remember the 2π denominator.
TipThe quantity 2πh appears so often in quantum mechanics that it has its own symbol: ℏ (“h-bar”). So the ground-state angular momentum is simply ℏ.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-19-AN1 markMCQQ.The correct order of ionic radii for the given species is (A) Na+>Al3+>Mg2+>K+ (B) K+>Na+>Mg2+>Al3+ (C) K+>Na+>Al3+>Mg2+ (D) Al3+>Mg2+>K+>Na+
›Reveal solutionSolution
Ionic radii are primarily determined by the number of electron shells and, for isoelectronic species, by the effective nuclear charge. K+ has more electron shells, making it the largest, while among the isoelectronic Na+,Mg2+,Al3+, increasing nuclear charge leads to decreasing size. The correct order is K+>Na+>Mg2+>Al3+.
The size of an ion, its ionic radius, is a fundamental property that dictates many chemical and physical characteristics. When comparing ionic radii, two primary factors are at play: the number of electron shells and the effective nuclear charge.
- Number of Electron Shells: This is the most significant factor. Ions with more electron shells will inherently be larger than ions with fewer electron shells, assuming similar nuclear charges. This is because the outermost electrons are further from the nucleus.
- Effective Nuclear Charge (Zeff): For ions that have the same number of electron shells (i.e., they are isoelectronic), the ionic radius is inversely proportional to the effective nuclear charge. A higher effective nuclear charge means the nucleus pulls the electrons more strongly, drawing the electron cloud closer and resulting in a smaller ionic radius.
Let's apply these concepts to the given species.
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Determine the electron configuration and number of electrons for each ion.
- Na+: Sodium (Na) is in Group 1, Period 3. It has 11 protons and 11 electrons. Na+ loses one electron, so it has 10 electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s22s22p6, which is the same as Neon (Ne). It has 2 electron shells.
- Al3+: Aluminium (Al) is in Group 13, Period 3. It has 13 protons and 13 electrons. Al3+ loses three electrons, so it has 10 electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s22s22p6, also like Neon. It has 2 electron shells.
- Mg2+: Magnesium (Mg) is in Group 2, Period 3. It has 12 protons and 12 electrons. Mg2+ loses two electrons, so it has 10 electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s22s22p6, also like Neon. It has 2 electron shells.
- K+: Potassium (K) is in Group 1, Period 4. It has 19 protons and 19 electrons. K+ loses one electron, so it has 18 electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s22s22p63s23p6, which is the same as Argon (Ar). It has 3 electron shells.
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Group the ions based on the number of electron shells.
- Na+,Al3+,Mg2+ all have 2 electron shells (10 electrons). These are isoelectronic species.
- K+ has 3 electron shells (18 electrons).
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Compare ions with different numbers of electron shells.
Since K+ has 3 electron shells, while Na+,Al3+,Mg2+ all have 2 electron shells, K+ will be significantly larger than any of the other three ions.
So, K+ is the largest.
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Compare the isoelectronic species (Na+,Mg2+,Al3+).
For isoelectronic species, the ionic radius decreases as the nuclear charge (number of protons) increases.
- Na+ has 11 protons.
- Mg2+ has 12 protons.
- Al3+ has 13 protons.
As the number of protons increases, the positive charge in the nucleus increases, pulling the 10 electrons more strongly towards the nucleus. This results in a smaller ionic radius.
Therefore, the order of ionic radii for these isoelectronic species is:
Na+>Mg2+>Al3+
Watch outA common mistake is to assume that a higher positive charge always means a larger ion. For isoelectronic species, the opposite is true: a higher positive charge (more protons) means a stronger pull on the same number of electrons, leading to a smaller ionic radius.
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Combine the comparisons to get the overall order.
We established that K+ is the largest, and then we ordered the isoelectronic species.
Combining these, the correct order of ionic radii is:
K+>Na+>Mg2+>Al3+
Let's check this against the given options:
(A) Na+>Al3+>Mg2+>K+ (Incorrect)
(B) K+>Na+>Mg2+>Al3+ (Correct)
(C) K+>Na+>Al3+>Mg2+ (Incorrect, Mg2+ is larger than Al3+)
(D) Al3+>Mg2+>K+>Na+ (Incorrect)
✓Final answerThe correct order of ionic radii for the given species is K+>Na+>Mg2+>Al3+, which corresponds to option (B).
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