C33 The Four Quantum Numbers of an Electron

what is the principal quantum number?

“n” / values are 1-7 / indicates the energy level or energy shell of the electron

what is the angular momentum (secondary) quantum number?

“l” lowercase L / values are whole numbers: 0, 1, 2, or 3 / indicates the subshell of the orbital

what is the magnetic quantum number (MQN)?

“mi” (lowercase M, subscript lowercase L) / values are whole numbers between -l to +l (lowercase L’s) / indicates the orientation of the orbital (x,y, or z)

MQN one s-orbital

mi = 0

MQN three p-orbitals

mi = -1 (px), 0 (py), +1 (pz)

MQN five d-orbitals

mi = -2 (dI), -1 (dll), 0 (dlll), +1 (dlV), +2 (dV)

MQN seven f-orbitals

mi = -3 (fI), -2 (fll), -1 (flll), 0 (flV), +1 (fV), +2 (fVI), +3 (fVll)

what is the electron spin quantum number?

“ms” (lowercase M, subscript lowercase S) / values either +1/2 or -1/2 (up or down) / indicates whether the electron is spinning up (clockwise +) or down (counterclockwise -)