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quantum numbers

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | 472 words | Copyright

quantum numbers In physics, a set of four numbers used in quantum theory to classify electrons and their atomic states. The principal quantum number (symbol n) gives the electron's energy level; the orbital quantum number (symbol l) describes its angular momentum; the magnetic quantum number (symbol m) describes the energies of electrons in a magnetic field; and the spin quantum number (symbol ms) gives the spin of the individual electrons. See also quantum mechanics

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