GRE Subject Test: Chemistry : Orbitals and Bonding

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Chemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Quantum Numbers

Which of the following sets of quantum numbers (\(\displaystyle n, l, m_l\)) could correspond to a \(\displaystyle 4f\) orbital?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle n: 4\)

\(\displaystyle l: 4\)

\(\displaystyle m_l: +4\)

\(\displaystyle n: 3\)

\(\displaystyle l: 3\)

\(\displaystyle m_l: +3\)

\(\displaystyle n: 4\)

\(\displaystyle l: 3\)

\(\displaystyle m_l: -3\)

\(\displaystyle n: 2\)

\(\displaystyle l: 4\)

\(\displaystyle m_l: +3\)

\(\displaystyle n: 3\)

\(\displaystyle l: 4\)

\(\displaystyle m_l: +3\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle n: 4\)

\(\displaystyle l: 3\)

\(\displaystyle m_l: -3\)

Explanation:

Since we're looking at the \(\displaystyle 4f\) orbital, we know \(\displaystyle n = 4\). The range of possible values for \(\displaystyle l\) is 0 to \(\displaystyle n-1\). Possible values for \(\displaystyle m_l\) range \(\displaystyle -l\) to \(\displaystyle +l\). Therefore, among the answer choices, \(\displaystyle 4, 3, -3\) is the only possible combination of quantum numbers corresponding to an \(\displaystyle 4f\) orbital. 

Example Question #1 : Quantum Numbers

Which of the following sets of quantum numbers could correspond to a \(\displaystyle 4d\) orbital?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle n: 4\)

\(\displaystyle l: 2\)

\(\displaystyle m_l: +1\)

\(\displaystyle n: 4\)

\(\displaystyle l: 4\)

\(\displaystyle m_l: -1\)

\(\displaystyle n: 3\)

\(\displaystyle l: 2\)

\(\displaystyle m_l: +1\)

\(\displaystyle n: 4\)

\(\displaystyle l: 3\)

\(\displaystyle m_l: +4\)

\(\displaystyle n: 3\)

\(\displaystyle l: 4\)

\(\displaystyle m_l: -3\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle n: 4\)

\(\displaystyle l: 2\)

\(\displaystyle m_l: +1\)

Explanation:

Since we're looking at the \(\displaystyle 4d\) orbital, we know \(\displaystyle n = 4\). The range of possible values for \(\displaystyle l\) is 0 to \(\displaystyle n-1\). Possible values for \(\displaystyle m_l\) range \(\displaystyle -l\) to \(\displaystyle +l\). Therefore, among the answer choices,

\(\displaystyle n: 4\)

\(\displaystyle l: 2\)

\(\displaystyle m_l: +1\)

is the only possible combination of quantum numbers corresponding to a \(\displaystyle 4d\) orbital.

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