Question

Given the names and symbols of the four quantum numbers required to define the energy of electrons in atoms. What do these quantum numbers relates to, and what numerical values are possible for each? Show how the shape of the periodic table is related to these quantum numbers.

Answer 1

There are a total of four quantum numbers: the principal quantum number $\left(n\right)$, the orbital angular momentum quantum number $\left(l\right)$, the magnetic quantum number $\left(m_l\right)$, and the electron spin quantum number $\left(m_s\right)$

Quantum numbers designate specific shells, subshells, orbitals, and spins of electrons.

The principal quantum number, n, designates the principal electron shell.

The orbital angular momentum quantum number $l$ determines the shape of an orbital, and therefore the angular distribution.

The magnetic quantum number $m_l$ determines the number of orbitals and their orientation within a subshell.

Unlike $n,l,$ and $m_l,$ the electron spin quantum number ms does not depend on another quantum number. It designates the direction of the electron spin.