Principle Quantum Number [ENDORSED]

[William Lan 2l]

What exactly is the principle quantum number? I'm not fully understanding the concept.

[Lena Nguyen 2H]

The principle quantum number is the energy level of the electron, denoted by n (which is the same n as in the Rydberg Equation). If the energy level goes up, n also goes up.

[Nhan Nguyen 2F]

Hi,
The principle quantum number (n) is what determines the size of an orbital. Based on my understanding, more energy is needed to be absorbed to excite an electron from the orbital that is closer to the nucleus (n=1) to a farther orbital (n=2). Thus, orbitals for which n=2 is larger than n=1 because it's in a higher energy level.

[Ashin_Jose_1H]

Hey,

The principal quantum number is one of the four quantum number often denoted as n. The principal quantum number is used to describe the energy and size (shell).