Quantum numbers
1. Principle quantum number: { n }
Gives information about size of orbital.
Gives information about orbit/shell.
Can be any positive integer (n=1, n=2,…n= ∞) but
cannot be 0. Size & energy of orbital increase with
increase in n.
Gives info about energy of electron.
2. Azimuthal/Angular momentum quantum number: {
l}
Gives info about shape of orbital.
l denotes sub-shell.
l value Name Shape
0 s spherical
1 p dumbbell
2 d Double
dumbbell
3 f Complex shape
n value Values for l ( 0 <= l <=
n-1)
1 0 (1s)
2 0,1(2s,2p)
3 0,1,2 (3s,3p,3d)
4 0,1,2,3 (4s,4p,4d,4f)
Shell Sub-shell Orbital
3. Magnetic quantum number: {m)
Gives info about orientation of orbital.
Gives info about no. of orbitals.
l value m value: No. of orbitals
(-l <= m <= l)
0 0 (1 orbital)
1 -1,0,1 (3 orbital)
2 -2,-1,0,1,2 (5 orbital)
3 -3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3 (7 orbital)
4 -4,-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,4 (9
orbital)
Orbitals are represented by connected boxes:
- s: 1 orbital :
- p: 3 orbital :
- d: 5 orbital
- f: 7 orbital
No. of orbitals in a give sub shell = 2l+1
o No. of orbitals in a sub-shell = n^2
4. Spin quantum number: {s)
o Tells that electron rotates about its own axis.
o Not a variable from Schrodinger’s equation.
o Generally, +1/2 considered as clockwise spin & -
1/2 considered as anti-clockwise spin.
o Summary:
