Magnetic Quantum Number

The magnetic quantum number, ml is used to indicate the direction of the sub-orbital in space. The allowed values for the magnetic quantum numbers depends on the subsidiary quantum number of the sub-orbital. For each sub-orbital, l, the magnetic quantum number, ml, must lie in the range ml = + l or ml = - l. Within an orbital, the sub-orbitals designated by the subsidiary quantum number, l , have the same energy level, but have different orientations in space.


Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics is the mathematical description of the behaviour of particles and energy at the atomic scale.


Quantum Numbers

Quantum numbers are used to describe the different aspect of the electronic shell, they are required to describe the properties of each atomic orbital.

There are four quantum numbers :

Principal Quantum Number, n
This quantum number describes the general overall energy level and size of the orbital (i.e. shell).
Azimuthal (or Subsidiary) Quantum Number, l
This quantum number describes the shape of the sub-orbital. Each principal level is divided into sub-shells, which are designated by this number.
Magnetic Quantum Number, ml
This quantum number is used to indicate the direction of the sub-orbital in space.
Spin Quantum Number, s
This quantum number indicates the spin of an electron in the sub-orbital.
Thus, for any atom, each electron in the orbitals about the nucleus in the atom has a unique set of quantum numbers, and no two electrons in the atom can have an identical set of quantum numbers.


Quark

A Quark is a fundamental particle.


Quicklime

Quicklime, CaO, (i.e. calcium oxide) is manufactured by burning limestone (i.e. calcium carbonate, CaCO3) in a furnace. It reacts vigorously with water to produce slaked lime (i.e. calcium hydroxide).


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