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The orientation of an atomic orbital is governed by :-
A
Azimuthal quantum number
B
Spin quantum number
C
Magnetic quantum number
D
Principal quantum number
Detailed Solution
The principal quantum number ($n$) determines the size and, to a large extent, the energy of the orbital.
The azimuthal quantum number ($l$) determines the shape of the orbital (s, p, d, f).
The magnetic quantum number ($m_l$) determines the orientation of the orbital in space relative to the others; for a given $l$ it takes the $(2l + 1)$ values from $-l$ to $+l$.
For example, for $l = 1$, $m_l = -1, 0, +1$ correspond to the three orientations $p_x$, $p_y$ and $p_z$.
The spin quantum number ($m_s$) describes the spin of the electron, not the orbital.
So the orientation of an atomic orbital is governed by the magnetic quantum number.
The azimuthal quantum number ($l$) determines the shape of the orbital (s, p, d, f).
The magnetic quantum number ($m_l$) determines the orientation of the orbital in space relative to the others; for a given $l$ it takes the $(2l + 1)$ values from $-l$ to $+l$.
For example, for $l = 1$, $m_l = -1, 0, +1$ correspond to the three orientations $p_x$, $p_y$ and $p_z$.
The spin quantum number ($m_s$) describes the spin of the electron, not the orbital.
So the orientation of an atomic orbital is governed by the magnetic quantum number.