The n=3 level in an atom has three sublevels. These sublevels are known as 3s, 3p, and 3d.
To understand this better, we can look at the quantum numbers. The principal quantum number (n) indicates the energy level of the electron. For n=3, we are in the third energy level. Each energy level can contain sublevels, which are designated by the angular momentum quantum number (l). The value of l can range from 0 to (n-1). Therefore, for n=3, l can take the values of 0, 1, and 2:
- l = 0 corresponds to the s sublevel (3s)
- l = 1 corresponds to the p sublevel (3p)
- l = 2 corresponds to the d sublevel (3d)
As a result, the 3rd energy level has three sublevels: 3s, 3p, and 3d, each with a different shape and number of orbitals, contributing to the electronic structure of atoms in this energy level.