explain the principal quantum number and magnetic quantum number
Answers
Answer:
Four quantum numbers can be used to completely describe all the attributes of a given electron belonging to an atom, these are: Principal quantum number, denoted by n. Orbital angular momentum quantum number (or azimuthal quantum number), denoted by l. Magnetic quantum number, denoted by ml.
Principal quantum number, n: Electron shell, n ≥ 1
Azimuthal quantum number, l: Subshells (s=0, p=1, etc.), (n-1) ≥ l ≥ 0
Name and Symbol: Meaning and Possible Values
Answer:
The set of numbers used to describe the position and energy of the electron in an atom are called quantum numbers. There are four quantum numbers, namely, principal, azimuthal, magnetic and spin quantum numbers.
Principal quantum numbers are denoted by the symbol ‘n’. They designate the principal electron shell of the atom. Since the most probable distance between the nucleus and the electrons is described by it, a larger value of the principal quantum number implies a greater distance between the electron and the nucleus (which, in turn, implies a greater atomic size).
The value of the principal quantum number can be any integer with a positive value that is equal to or greater than one. The value n=1 denotes the innermost electron shell of an atom, which corresponds to the lowest energy state (or the ground state) of an electron.
Thus, it can be understood that the principal quantum number, n, cannot have a negative value or be equal to zero because it is not possible for an atom to have a negative value or no value for a principal shell.
When a given electron is infused with energy (excited state), it can be observed that the electron jumps from one principle shell to a higher shell, causing an increase in the value of n. Similarly, when electrons lose energy, they jump back into lower shells and the value of n also decreases.
The increase in the value of n for an electron is called absorption, emphasizing the photons or energy being absorbed by the electron. Similarly, the decrease in the value of n for an electron is called emission, where the electrons emit their energy.