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quantum number
Any of four numbers used to classify electrons and their atomic states. The quantum numbers are as follows:
- Principal quantum number, n (= 1, 2, 3, ...), which denotes the overall size and energy of an electron shell.
- Azimuthal quantum number, l (= 0, 1, 2, ..., n-1), which denotes the angular momentum and shape of an orbital. Azimuthal quantum numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3 correspond with the s, p, d, and f orbitals, respectively.
- Magnetic quantum number, m (= -l, -l+1, ... 0, ... l-1, l), which denotes the orientation of an orbital.
- Spin quantum number, s (= ± ½).
Related categories
• ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS• PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
• CHEMICAL BONDING
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