Quantum number values

Moderators: Chem_Mod, Chem_Admin

Sei Lam 3F
Posts: 51
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2023 12:21 pm

Quantum number values

Postby Sei Lam 3F » Mon Dec 04, 2023 1:00 pm

Hello! I know what the permissible ranges for quantum number values are, but could someone explain what each of these ranges means in context? Thanks!
n 1 ≤ n
ℓ 0 ≤ ℓ ≤ n − 1
mℓ −ℓ ≤ mℓ ≤ ℓ
ms −s ≤ ms ≤ s

mlomas2004
Posts: 78
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2023 12:23 pm

Re: Quantum number values

Postby mlomas2004 » Mon Dec 04, 2023 1:05 pm

The principal quantum number (n) represents the energy level or shell an electron occupies, and it must be a positive integer (1, 2, 3, ...). The azimuthal quantum number (ℓ) indicates the subshell, ranging from 0 to n-1, representing different shapes within the energy level. The magnetic quantum number (mℓ) specifies the orientation of an orbital within a subshell, ranging from -ℓ to ℓ. The spin quantum number (ms) describes the electron's spin, with values of -s or s, representing the two possible spin directions. hope this helps some.


Return to “Quantum Numbers and The H-Atom”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests