What is the maximum number of electrons in an atom that can have the following quantum numbers? a) n = 5, l = 3, ml = +3 b) n = 3, l = 1, ml = -1

We have to get the maximum number of electrons in an atom that can have the given quantum numbers.

(a) The maximum number of electrons in an atom that can  have quantum number n = 5, l = 3, = +3 is 2 (two).

(b) The maximum number of electrons in an atom that can  have quantum number n = 3, l = 1, = -1 is 2 (two).

Here, n= principal quantum number, l= azimuthal quantum number and = magnetic quantum number.

l= 0 to (n-1) and = -l to +l including 0.

(a) n = 5, l = 3, = +3, this set of quantum number represents one 5f orbital which can contain maximum two electron of opposite spins.

(b) n = 3, l = 1, = -1, this set of quantum number represents one 3p orbital which can contain maximum two electron of opposite spins.