Question

How do the quantum numbers of the shells, subshells, and orbitals of an atom differ?

Answer 1

The quantum number of the shell is the principal quantum number ‘n’. It can’t be zero and possesses integer values: n=1, 2, 3, 4… and so on.

The quantum number of the subshell is the orbital quantum number ‘l’. This number defines the shape of electron orbital; it can possess integer values from zero to n-1. For example, for principal quantum number n=1, orbital quantum number l=n-1=0.

The magnetic quantum number ‘m’ defines the orientation of the orbital in space. For a given orbital quantum number, magnetic quantum number can get values m=-l, -l+1, …, 0, …, l+1, l. For example, for orbital quantum number l=1, magnetic quantum number can be: m= -1, 0, 1.

The spin quantum number ‘s’ can be either s=+-1/2, not dependent on the other quantum numbers.