•Electronic Structure: Quantum numbers

Hello everyone! So, this is like a "part 2" of the Electronic structure blog. It's basic information so I hope you like it :)

Four numbers are used to describe the characteristics, movement and trajectories of an electron within an atom.

It describes the orbitals and the solution of a 3-dimensional waves.

Principal Quantum number (n)

This number respresents the energy level of an electron and the distance from thr nucleus. It only takes positive values.

So, n= 1,2,3,4,5...

Azimuthal or Angular momentum quantum number (l)

This number defines the geometry of an orbital and it's related to the directional property of wavefunction. It takes values between 0 and n-1

For example, if n=4, l can be either 0,1,2,3.

The geometry or shape of the orbital is denoted by letters (subshells):

S orbital (l=0) has an sphere shape, p orbital (l=1) has an eliptic geometry (like two dumbbells); d orbital (l=2) has an eliptic geometry but it looks like a 3d flower or clove.

Magnetic quantum number (m)

This number defines the spacial orientacion of the orbital.

Spin quantum number (ms)

The fourth quantum number refers to the spin (rotation) and the ability to create a magnetic field of an electron, which is either up or down.

Its values can be either +1/2 or -1/2

Conclusion points:

- Electrons cannot share the same combination of quantum numbers (Pauli Exclusion principle).

-Quantum numbers define other characteristics like ionization energy and atomic radius.

-The shape of the orbital is mostly determinated by its energy.

That's it for today xD

If you any questions or anything leave a comment!

안녕! :)