Components of a Quantum Address

DIGIT #1: Principal Quantum Number (n)

• Represented by the letter n (lowercase).

• Indicates the PERIOD/ row number of the electron

• Values can be whole numbers starting from 1 up to 7 (max row #)

DIGIT #2: Angular Momentum Quantum Number (l)

• Denoted by lowercase l (in cursive).

• Represents the shape of the electron’s orbital.

• Possible values correspond to different shapes:

  • s = 0 (spherical shape)

  • p = 1 (figure 8s shape)

  • d = 2 (5-figure 8s shape)

  • f = 3 (complex shapes)

DIGIT #3: Magnetic Quantum Number (m_l)

• Represented as m with a subscript l.

• WHAT POD DOES IT LIVE IN/ COUNT?

• Possible values include -2, -1, 0, +1, +2.

DIGIT #4: Spin Quantum Number (m_s)

• Denoted by m with a subscript s.

• Represents the spin of the electron.

  

• Possible values are:

  • +1/2 (ARROW UP) (clockwise spin)

  • -1/2 (ARROW DOWN) (counterclockwise spin)

Pod System (Digit #3)

Quantum Address

• A quantum address consists of the four quantum numbers written in the format: (n, l, m_l, m_s).

• Separated by commas and in the order of n, l, m_l, and m_s.

• The fourth number (m_s) will always indicate the direction of spin, being either positive or negative.

• Example: A quantum address could be formatted as (3, 1, 0, +1/2).

Maximum Principal Quantum Number

• The maximum principal quantum number an atom can have is 7.

• Corresponds to the seven rows (or energy levels) in the periodic table.