Quantum Numbers – Notes
1. Definition
Quantum numbers describe the state of an electron in an atom. They come from Schrödinger’s
wave equation. Each electron in an atom is described by a unique set of four quantum
numbers.
2. Types of Quantum Numbers
(i) Principal Quantum Number (n)
Symbol: n = 1, 2, 3 … (K, L, M, N shells).
Significance:
o Size of orbital.
o Energy of electron (for H-like atom: En=−13.6 Z2n2E_n = -13.6 \, \frac{Z^2}
{n^2} eV).
Higher nn → larger orbital, electron farther from nucleus.
(ii) Azimuthal (Angular Momentum) Quantum Number (l)
Symbol: l = 0 to (n−1).
Defines subshell and shape of orbital.
Values:
o l=0l = 0 → s-orbital (spherical)
o l=1l = 1 → p-orbital (dumbbell)
o l=2l = 2 → d-orbital (cloverleaf)
o l=3l = 3 → f-orbital (complex)
Formula for angular momentum:
L=l(l+1) h2πL = \sqrt{l(l+1)} \, \frac{h}{2\pi}
(iii) Magnetic Quantum Number (mₗ)
Symbol: mₗ = −l … 0 … +l.
Determines orientation of orbital in space.
Number of orbitals in a subshell = 2l+12l+1.
o Example:
For l=1l=1 (p): ml=−1,0,+1mₗ = -1, 0, +1 → 3 orbitals.
For l=2l=2 (d): 5 orbitals.
(iv) Spin Quantum Number (mₛ)
Symbol: mₛ = +½ or −½.
Represents electron spin (up or down).
Important for Pauli Exclusion Principle (no two electrons can have same 4 quantum
numbers).
3. Summary Table
Quantum Number Symbol Possible Values Significance
Principal n 1, 2, 3 … Size, energy level
Azimuthal l 0 → (n−1) Shape of orbital
Magnetic mₗ −l … +l Orientation
Spin mₛ +½, −½ Spin direction
4. Examples
1. For 2p electron:
o n = 2, l = 1, mₗ = −1/0/+1, mₛ = +½ or −½.
2. For 3d electron:
o n = 3, l = 2, mₗ = −2, −1, 0, +1, +2, mₛ = ±½.
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