when the n quantum number equals 1, we are in what orbital?

When the principal quantum number n=1n=1n=1, we are in the first energy level, and the only possible value for the angular quantum number lll is 0. This corresponds to an sss orbital, which is shaped like a sphere. Therefore, for n=1n=1n=1, the electron is in a 1s orbital, a spherical orbital closest to the nucleus. The principal quantum number nnn describes the size and energy of the orbital, and for n=1n=1n=1, orbitals are the smallest and lowest energy. The angular quantum number lll describes the shape of the orbital, and since lll can only be 0 when n=1n=1n=1, the shape is spherical (an sss orbital).