Based on quantum mechanical formulations, what is the exact orbital angular momentum of an electron — Atomic Structure Chemistry Question
Question
Based on quantum mechanical formulations, what is the exact orbital angular momentum of an electron residing in a $2s$ orbital?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
The magnitude of orbital angular momentum is determined solely by the azimuthal quantum number $l$ and is given by the formula $L = \sqrt{l(l+1)} \frac{h}{2\pi}$. For any $s$ -orbital (including $2s$), $l = 0$. Substituting $l = 0$ into the formula yields an orbital angular momentum of exactly zero.
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