Quantum Numbers

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Quantum Numbers
A. Schrodinger
Created math functions to describe the wave and
particle nature of the electron
Describes the most probable location of electrons
in an atom
Electron density
Area where electrons are most likely to be
Probability density
Orbitals
Solutions to Schrodingers equations
Location of electrons
Has a shape and an energy
Further from the nucleus more energy
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B. Quantum numbers
Describes the location of an orbital.
3 numbers describe the location of the electron.
1. Principle quantum number
n
Positive integer (1, 2, 3, )
Describes the principal energy level
Larger the value, further from the nucleus
l
2. Azimuthal Quantum number
Describes the sublevel
n
l (n-1)
Can be from 0 to n-1
1
3
4
2
0,1, 2,3
0
0,1
0,1,2
3
Sublevels are also named s,p,d,f
n
l
Sublevel names
1
3
4
2
0,1
0,1,2
0,1,2,3
0
s
s,p,d,f
s,p
s,p,d
3. Magnetic Quantum number
m1
Describes the orbital
Can have values from l to l


l
0
1
2
3
m1
0
-1 0 1
-2 -1 0 1 2
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
(s has 1 orbital, p have 3, d has 5, f has 7
orbitals)
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4. Spin magnetic quantum number
ms
Electrons spin on axis
Can spin clockwise or counterclockwise
Can only be ½ or ½
Only 2 electrons can exist in an orbital. Must
be of opposite spin