Question

The n = 1 shell contains ________ p orbitals. all the other shells contain ________ p orbitals.

Answer 1

When determining the location of electrons using quantum numbers, the n=1 shell only contains the 1s orbital; therefore the shell contains zero p orbitals. All the other shells contain one less than the n number, or n-1 p orbitals.

Answer 2

Zero; Three

Step-by-step explanation:

The quantum numbers are the set of four described unique values that describes each electron in the orbitals of the atom. The four quantum numbers are the principal, azimuthal, magnetic, and spin.

The principal quantum number (n) gives the energy levels of the electrons. The value of n is always n ≥ 1.

The azimuthal quantum number, also known as the orbital quantum number, describes the shape of the subshell. The values of this quantum number ranges from 0 ≤ ℓ ≤ n − 1.

For n = 1,

The value of: ℓ = n-1 = 1-1 = 0

∵ ℓ = 0 ⇒ s-orbital

Therefore, in n=1 shell, there is only one value of ℓ. So, there is only one s-orbital and zero p-orbital.

For n > 1,

The value of: l = n-1 > 0

Therefore, for n > 1 shell, there are more than one values of ℓ. So, n > 1 shells contains a set of three p-orbitals each.