An atomic orbital is uniquely defined by a set of three quantum numbers: the principal quantum number (n), the azimuthal quantum number (l), and the magnetic quantum number (ml).
- Principal Quantum Number (n=3): Indicates the electrons are in the third principal shell.
- Azimuthal Quantum Number (l=2): Corresponds to the d subshell. Thus, the electron is in the 3d subshell.
- Magnetic Quantum Number (m=+2): Describes the spatial orientation of the orbital. For l=2, the possible values of ml are −2,−1,0,+1,+2, corresponding to the five d orbitals. The specific value m=+2 identifies exactly one specific orbital among them.
Therefore, the set of quantum numbers (n=3,l=2,m=+2) refers to a single orbital.