Question

Which quantum number determines the radius of an atom?

Answer 1

Quantum numbers

• Quantum numbers are a collection of numbers used to characterize the position and energy of an electron in an atom.
• The principal, azimuthal, magnetic, and spin quantum numbers are the four types of quantum numbers.

Principal quantum number

• The distance from the nucleus and the size of an atom is represented by the principal quantum number.
• The value of the principal quantum number can be any integer with a positive value equal to or higher than one.
• The radius of an atom is determined by its principal quantum numbers.
• Since it describes the most likely distance between the nucleus and the electrons, a larger value of the principal quantum number denotes a greater distance between the nucleus and the electrons.
• It is represented by the symbol, ‘n’.