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The letter "p" in the symbol 4p3 indicates the ____

A spin of an electron.

B orbital shape.

C principle energy level.

D speed of an electron.

Verified Answer :

Bthe orbital shape


Given:

Electron configuration represented by: 4p³

To determine:

The representation of the letter 'p'

Explanation:

In quantum mechanics, an electron in an orbital is described by a set of 3 quantum numbers

n: this is the principal quantum number which describes the size of the orbital

l = angular momentum quantum number which describes the shape of the orbital

m = magnetic momentum which describes the electron orientation

In the given configuration:

n = 4

l = 1 which corresponds to p-orbital

Ans: (B)

The letter p- corresponds to the shape of the orbital