Quantum numbers

[MichelleRamirez_2F]

What is the difference between principal quantum number and magnetic quantum number?

[Kayla Vo 1B]

The principal quantum number, n, determines the size of the orbital (or how far the electrons extend from the nucleus) and its energy. The magnetic quantum number, ml, divides the subshells into individual orbitals. The number denotes the orientation of the orbitals (for example px, py, pz) and is calculated by: ml=2l + 1

[Eunice Lee 1A]

In addition to the previous response, the principle quantum number is usually determined by the period the atom is in in the periodic table. For example, an atom ending in 3p will have the principle quantum number 3.

[Kevin Tang 4L]

The possible number for the magnetic quantum number, denoted m_l, can be calculated knowing the value of l. It can be -l, -l+1 .... l-1, l. This number shows the orientation of the specific orbital. The difference between m_l and n is that n tells us about energy and how far the electrons extend out.