The Four Quantum Numbers

Brief review of the four quantum numbers, what they represent, and their range.

n

represents the principal quantum number, indicating the energy level of an electron in an atom.

l

Angular momentum quantum number; tells you the shape of the orbital and the subshell type (s, p, d, f) within a given energy level. From 0 to n-1

m₁

Magnetic quantum number; indicates the orientation of the orbital in space. It can have values from -l to +l.

m₂

Spin quantum number; describes the intrinsic angular momentum of an electron, with possible values of +1/2 or -1/2.

Which orbital would be represented by an angular momentum number of 0?

Orbital “s”

Which orbital would be represented by an angular momentum number of 1?

Orbital "p"

Which orbital would be represented by an angular momentum number of 2?

Orbital “d”

Which orbital would be represented by an angular momentum number of 3?

Orbital "f"