Explain, giving reasons, which of the following sets of quantum numbers are not possible.

(a) n = 0, l = 0, ml= 0, ms= + 1/2


(b) n = 1, l = 0, ml= 0, ms= – 1/2


(c) n = 1, l = 1, ml= 0, ms= + 1/2


(d) n = 2, l = 1, ml= 0, ms= – 1/2


(e) n = 3, l = 3, ml= –3, ms= + 1/2


(f) n = 3, l = 1, ml= 0, ms= + 1/2


(a) The given set of quantum numbers is not possible because the value of the principal quantum number that is [n] cannot be zero.

(b) This set of quantum numbers is possible.


(c) This set is not possible because for principle quantum number n = 1, the azimuthal quantum number ‘l’ cannot be one.


(d) This set of quantum numbers is possible.


(e) This set is not possible because for principle quantum number n = 3, the azimuthal quantum number ‘l’ cannot be three.


(f) This set of quantum numbers is possible.


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