Magnetic Quantum Numbers [ENDORSED]

[Yifei Wang 3G]

A Magnetic Quantum Number can be positive or negative, but what does the positive/negative symbol mean for it?

[Genisis Cabral]

The positive and negative symbols may just be a reference to the fact that the values of the magnetic quantum numbers are dependent on the angular momentum quantum number (l) and because of the given l the magnetic quantum number can then be a negative or positive integer along with zero. Not to sure if that answers your question but hopefully it provided some clarification!

[Matt_Fontila_2L_Chem14B]

If, however, you were talking about the Spin Magnetic Quantum Number, the positive or negative in front of the 1/2 is the most important part in determining which way the electron is spinning.

[Yifei Wang 3G]

Thanks guys!

[Yifei Wang 3G]

If, however, you were talking about the Spin Magnetic Quantum Number, the positive or negative in front of the 1/2 is the most important part in determining which way the electron is spinning.

No not the spin. I was asking about the Magnetic Quantum Number, ml. But your answer is also helpful!

[Humza_Khan_2J]

As for M sub l, or the angular momentum quantum number, a negative value is simply describing the particular orientation of an orbital in a subshell.

[Rithik Kumar 3E]

The value of the quantum number ml relates to the relative orientation of the electron in the specified orbital. For example, when completing electron configurations and diagrams, the positive and negative ml values represent two potential electrons of opposite spin in an orbital of a particular subshell.