Quantum Numbers

[Leslie Almaraz 4G]

What do the 4 quantum numbers represent as in n, l, ml and ms?

[Esha Chawla 2E]

What do the 4 quantum numbers represent as in n, l, ml and ms?

n represents the shell in which the electron is found. For example, in the unexcited state, Hydrogen's electron is found in n=1, or the 1st shell/orbital.

l represents the orbital angular momentum, or the shape of the orbital.

ml represents the magnetic quantum number, which determines the number and orientation of orbitals in the shell.

Finally, ms represents the direction of the electron spin.

[Maeve Miller 1A]

n represents the principle quantum number (ex. in 2p n=2)
l represents the angular momentum quantum number; when l=0, it's in the s-orbital; l=1 p-orbital; l=2 d-orbital; l=3 f-orbital
ml represents the magnetic quantum number (which would tell you if it's in an x, y, or z orbital)
ms represents the spin magnetic quantum number (telling you the direction of the spin of the e-)