QUANTUM NUMBERS

QUANTUM NUMBERS

1. PRINCIPAL QUANTUM NUMBER

   • This number describes the energy levels or shells around the nucleus (n)
     • n=1 (K)
     • n=2 (L)
     • n=3 (M)
     • n=4 (N)

2. AZIMUTHAL QUANTUM NUMBER

   • This number describes the shape of sub energy levels within main shells. Denoted by "l"
     • l=0 (s)
       • Spherical in shape
     • l=1 (p)
       • Dumbell shaped
     • l=2 (d)
       • Double Dumbell shaped
     • l=3 (f)
       • Irregular shaped

3. MAGNETIC QUANTUM NUMBER

   • This number describes the orbitals within subshells. (ORBITALS: The 3D region around the Nucleus) Denoted by M(l)
     • For a given "l" value, m=(2l+1)
     • s-subshell has one orbital:2e
     • p-subshell has 3 orbitals:6e
     • d-subshell has 5 orbitals:10e
     • f-subshell has 7 orbitals:14e

4. ELECTRON SPIN

   • This number describes the motion of a electron within the orbital [m(s)]
     • Electron moves up:+1/2
     • Electron moves down:-1/2