Question

Explain and illustrate the notation for distinguishing between the different p orbitals in a sublevel.

Answer 1

Here, the three different notation of the p-orbital in different sub-level have to generate

The value of azimuthal quantum number (l) for -p orbital is 1. We know that the magnetic quantum number $m_{l}$ depends upon the value of l, which are -l to +l.

Thus for p-orbital the possible magnetic quantum numbers are- -1, 0, +1. So there will be three orbitals for p orbitals, which are designated as $p_{x}$, $p_{y}$ and $p_{z}$ in space.

The three p-orbital can be distinguish by the quantum numbers as-

For 2p orbitals (principal quantum number is 2)

1) n = 2, l = 1, m = -1

2) n = 2, l = 1, m = 0

3) n = 2, l = 1, m = +1

Thus the notation of different p-orbitals in the sub level are determined.