Which types of orbitals are found in the principal energy level [tex]n=2[/tex]?

A. [tex]s[/tex]
B. [tex]s, f[/tex]
C. [tex]s, d[/tex]
D. [tex]s, p[/tex]
E. [tex]s, p, d[/tex]



Answer :

To determine the types of orbitals found in the principal energy level \( n = 2 \), we need to consider the rules governing atomic orbitals.

1. Principal Quantum Number \( n \): The principal quantum number, \( n \), defines the energy level of the electron. For \( n = 2 \), this denotes the second energy level.

2. Orbital Types: The types of orbitals available in a given energy level are influenced by the azimuthal quantum number \( l \). The values of \( l \) range from \( 0 \) to \( n-1 \).

For \( n = 2 \):

- When \( l = 0 \), this corresponds to an \( s \)-orbital.
- When \( l = 1 \), this corresponds to a \( p \)-orbital.

Therefore, at the principal energy level \( n = 2 \), we have:

- \( s \)-orbitals (\( l = 0 \))
- \( p \)-orbitals (\( l = 1 \))

There are no \( d \)-orbitals (which would correspond to \( l = 2 \)) or \( f \)-orbitals (which would correspond to \( l = 3 \)) present at this energy level because these values are not within the range of \( l \) for \( n = 2 \).

Given the choices:

- A. \( s \)
- B. \( s, f \)
- C. \( s, d \)
- D. \( s, p \)
- E. \( s, p, d \)

The correct types of orbitals present in the principal energy level \( n = 2 \) are:

D. [tex]\( s, p \)[/tex]