Concept:The magnetic quantum number (
ml​) describes the spatial orientation of an orbital relative to a set of coordinate axes.
Explanation:Quantum numbers are used to specify each atomic orbital and the electrons in an atom. There are four types:
- Principal quantum number (
n) determines size and energy of the orbital.
- Azimuthal quantum number (
l) determines the three‑dimensional shape of the orbital.
- Magnetic quantum number (
ml​) gives the orientation of the orbital in space. Its allowed values range from
−l to
+l.
- Spin quantum number (
s) indicates the spin direction of the electron (
+21​ or
−21​).
Thus, the magnetic quantum number specifically tells how an orbital is oriented.
Answer:Option B: Orientation of orbitals.