Question

What is the lowest value of n that allows g orbitals to exist ?

Answer 1

Hint: The ‘n’ is the Principal quantum number which is the value of the shell in which the electron is entering. The value of l for g is 4. The value of l is found from n by formula -
‘l’ = n - 1
Filling the value of l, we can find the value of ‘n’.

Complete step by step answer:
First, let us understand what is ‘n’.
The ‘n’ alphabet is used to describe the Principal quantum number. These designate the main shell in which the electron entered in an atom. Its value can be any integer with a positive value starting from 1.
For g orbital, we have to find the value of the Azimuthal quantum number.
We know, if l = 0 ; then s orbital
l = 1 ; then p orbital
l = 2 ; then d orbital
l = 3 ; then f orbital
l = 4 ; then g orbitals
Further, we know that value of l is found from principal quantum number n as-
‘l’ = n - 1
On filling the value of l; we can say -
4 = n - 1
‘n’ = 4 + 1
‘n’ = 5
The 5th shell has g orbital.

Thus, the value of n is 5.

Note: It must be noted that the ‘n’ decides the number of shells and each shell contains some specific number of orbitals which is given by orbital angular momentum quantum number or azimuthal quantum number. Its value is always one less than the value of ‘n’.