Why Are Multiple Quantum Numbers Allowed in a Hydrogen Atom?

In summary, the conversation discusses the quantum mechanical model of atomic structure and the number of allowed sets for an electron in the hydrogen atom. It is explained that although the hydrogen atom only has one electron and therefore should only have one orbital, the electron can become excited and occupy higher energy levels, creating multiple sets of quantum numbers. This concept is new to the person speaking, who learned only about Bohr's model in high school. They express their gratitude for the explanation.
  • #1
yecko
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Homework Statement


http://i.imgur.com/GQ9Xk6d.png
GQ9Xk6d.png


Homework Equations


Quantum mechanical model of atomic structure

The Attempt at a Solution


Why all sets are allowed?
H atom only got one e- which only one orbital should be there, isn't it?
If there aren't second or more e- , no second orbital or higher number of orbital, how comes there is higher number of shells (principle n) ? Hence as do the the number of angular momentum (l) for subshell and magnetic (ml) for the variety of orientation?

I am a newbie to QM, who learned only Bohr's model in high school.
Thank you very much.
 
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  • #2
Electron can get excited. You are thinking in terms of the the lowest energy level it can occupy - which is not a bad starting point, but it is not a whole story either. When it gets excited it can jump up to any orbital, described by any set of valid quantum numbers.
 
  • #3
i see.
thank you very much
 

FAQ: Why Are Multiple Quantum Numbers Allowed in a Hydrogen Atom?

What is a quantum number in a hydrogen atom?

A quantum number in a hydrogen atom is a set of numbers that describe the energy levels and characteristics of the electrons within the atom. These numbers are used to calculate the probability of finding an electron in a specific energy state or orbital.

How many quantum numbers are there in a hydrogen atom?

There are four quantum numbers in a hydrogen atom: the principal quantum number (n), the angular momentum quantum number (l), the magnetic quantum number (ml), and the spin quantum number (ms).

What is the significance of the principal quantum number in a hydrogen atom?

The principal quantum number (n) indicates the energy level or shell that an electron occupies in a hydrogen atom. It also determines the average distance of the electron from the nucleus and the size of the atom.

How does the angular momentum quantum number affect the behavior of electrons in a hydrogen atom?

The angular momentum quantum number (l) determines the shape of the orbital that an electron occupies within a specific energy level. It also affects the energy of the electron and its angular momentum, or how fast it is moving around the nucleus.

Can the magnetic quantum number have any value?

No, the magnetic quantum number (ml) can only have values ranging from -l to +l. This number indicates the orientation of the orbital in space and helps to determine the spatial distribution of the electron within the atom.

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