Which sets of quantum numbers is correct for an electron in 4f orbital

Which of the following sets of quantum numbers is correct for an electron in 4f orbital?

  1. n = 4, l = 4, m = –4, s =-1/2
  2. n = 4, l = 3, m = +4, s =+1/2
  3. n = 3, l = 2, m = –2, s =+1/2
  4. n = 4, l = 3, m = +1, s =+1/2

Answer

For 4f orbital electrons, n = 4

                        s p d f

l = 3 (because 0 1 2 3 )

m = +3, +2, +1, 0, –1, –2, –3

s = ±1/2.

The correct option is D.