[k42490]

My question says to assume mspin number could have 3 values instead of 2 and the rules for the other quantum numbers are the same (n, l, ml).

1. how many electrons would an orbital be able to hold?
2. how many elements would the 1st and 2nd periods in the periodic table contain?
3. how many elements would be contained in the 1st transition metal series?
4. how many electrons would the set of 4f orbitals be able to hold?

i thought orbitals would hold the same number of electrons because only the spins are changing, but this wouldn't make sense for the questions. please help with ideas :/

[ARGOS++]

Dear K42490,

Could this Answers also be of any help to you?:

"Electron Configuration”

Good Luck!
                    ARGOS⁺⁺

[smellor]

it may be useful to review pauli's exclusion principle. an orbital is able to hold only one electron with a certain spin, and as the spin quantum no can assume only ±1/2 this will allow a maximum of 2 electrons per orbital. What then would happen if the spin quantum no could assume 3 separate values (e.g. -1/2,0,1/2)... you see?

[ARGOS++]

Dear Smellor;

Is it not like the old proverb:
“If you have broken once the first rule, it is easy to break the next! ”?
Or with other words: It is unpredictable, at least for me.

Good Luck!
                   ARGOS⁺⁺

[smellor]

well to me the basic assumption seems quite simple, 3 quantum spin values allows for 3 electrons, assuming the electrons in the system involved can assume any of these 3. That may be a pretty big assumption, but it seems necessary if the question is to be answered.
On that basis, the questions should be answerable fairly easily, as the other quantum numbers relate directly to the periodic table.

[ARGOS++]

Dear Smellor;

Maybe you forgot how the whole Chemistry and all properties would be affected.
(Only doing math - is only one side of the medial.)

Good Luck!
                   ARGOS⁺⁺

[smellor]

oh rightly so, i am only proposing a way of answering the questions - it seems in general questions of this sort are quite insular in their approach to the matter and this in particular seems to consider things from a purely mathematical perspective. It all depends on the what sort of context the question was asked in, if the poster could provide us with one i'm sure this would give a better clue as to what level of consideration should be used.

[ARGOS++]

Dear Smellor;

I did not tell that I cannot understand your point of view, – But I cannot make it to mine.
I always think about consequences, not all times with the same success, and so my answer must be pretty clear.

Good Luck!
                   ARGOS⁺⁺