Question

What is the set of quantum numbers for the last three electrons in an iodine atom?

Answer 1

Electron configuration for I is
It would be so much easier to do this if I could draw a diagram.
[Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p5 so the last 5p level will be
n will be 5
the p level is "ell" (or l) = 1
m_l = -1 or 0 or +1
m_s = + 1/2 or - 1/2
First electron in the p level will have ml = -1 and ms = +1/2
Second electron in the p level will have ml = 0 and ms = +1/2
Third electron in the p level will have ml = +1 and ms = +1/2
Fourth electron in the p level will have ml = -1 and ms = -1/2
Fifth electron in the p level will have ml = 0 and ms = -1/2
So the last three electrons in my description will be labeled Fifth, fourth, third above.
Hope this is not too convoluted to understand.

Answer 2

Wow what a brainiac