"The belief that there is only one truth is the deepest root of evil in the world."
— Max BornDear colleagues,I am looking for a reference to cite that provides mathematical details as to why a 2d subshell does not exist for an atom. I understand the traditional pat answer that n >= L+1 where L is angular quantum number ( L = 0 for s, 1 for p, 2 for d, etc.) and n is the principal quantum number. I would like to understand the mathematical and physical reason for this, preferably with some kind of mathematical derivation. Does anyone know a good reference for this?Although the above question seems "simple", I believe there more to it than first meets the eye. Specifically, such a rule does not apply to the nucleons inside an atomic nucleus. In nuclear models (e.g., nuclear shell model), for example, they encounter things such as the 1f orbitals. Why does such an orbital exist for nucleons but not for electrons, when both are spin 1/2 fermions? The physical interaction (coupling regime) must have something to do with whether or not the 1f orbital exists for a particular fermion. In the case of nucleons, there is a very strong pairing so that two nucleons practically pair to make an effective boson; however, it is my understanding that for nucleons with odd-numbered nucleons, the odd nucleon can still exist in orbitals such as 1f. The spin-orbit coupling is substantial for nucleons, but also substantial for electrons in heavy elements.I would appreciate any mathematical or physical insights as well references to understand what is going on here.Sincerest thanks,Tom Manz