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what are quantum numbers? state the physical significance of four quantum numbers.


Moiz 8th Oct, 2020
Answers (2)
Anuj More 8th Oct, 2020

Dear Student,

Quantum numbers are the numbers which give us an estimate of the probable location of an electron in an atom.

There are 4 quantum numbers,

1. Principal Quantum No(n). - This number describes the electron levels of an atom. It signifies the size of electron cloud. It can have values such as 1,2,3,4 & so on.

2. Azimuthal Quantum No(l)- This number signifies the shape of electron cloud. It can have values from l=0 to l=n-1

3. Magnetic Quantum No(m) - this signifies the orientation of electron cloud. It can have values from -l to +l including zero.

4. Spin Quantum No(s) - This signifies the spin of electrons can have. It can have values ±1/2 for each value of m.


Thank You. Hope this helps.

chandni deb 8th Oct, 2020

Dear Student,

Quantum numbers is defined as the set of numbers that used to describe the position and energy of the electron in an atom.

There are four quantum numbers, namely, principal, azimuthal, magnetic and spin quantum numbers.

The significance of these quantum numbers are :-

  • Principal Quantum Number (n): signifies the size of the electron cloud. It can have values such as 1,2,3,4.....etc.
  • Azimuthal Quantum Number (l):  signifies the shape of the electron cloud. It can have values from l=0 to l=n-1.
  • Magnetic Quantum Number (m): signifies the orientation of the electron cloud. It can have values from -l to +l including 0.
  • Spin Quantum Number (s): signifies the spin of the electron. It can have values _+1/2 for each value of m.


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