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CHEM 121 Studioby Learn4Less · UBC CHEM 121

CHEM 121 glossary

Quantum numbers

The four numbers that label an electron in an atom: nn (shell), ll (subshell shape), mlm_l (orbital orientation) and msm_s (spin). The first three name an orbital; no two electrons in an atom share all four.

Example

(n,l,ml,ms)=(2,1,−1,+12)(n, l, m_l, m_s) = (2, 1, -1, +\tfrac{1}{2}) is a 2p electron. (1,1,0,+12)(1, 1, 0, +\tfrac{1}{2}) is impossible, because ll must be less than nn.

See alsoPrincipal quantum numberAngular momentum quantum numberMagnetic quantum numberSpin quantum number