Internet Encyclopedia of Science
ATOMIC & NUCLEAR PHYSICS
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

                   HOME
ABOUT
CATEGORIES
COPYRIGHT
NEWSLETTER

  



principal quantum number



One of the four quantum numbers that characterize the electron configuration of an atom. The principal quantum number determines the size and (in hydrogen atoms) the energy of an orbital. The principal quantum number, n, is used to label electron shells; n may take on integer values from 1 to infinity.


Related categories

   • ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS
   • PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY


Also on this site:

Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History





BACK TO TOP