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Magnetic Quantum Number Learn Definition, Formula, Applications

Magnetic quantum

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5 views

Magnetic Quantum Number Learn Definition, Formula, Applications

Magnetic quantum

Uploaded by

Aman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Magnetic Quantum Number

The magnetic quantum number also referred to as the


third quantum number specifies the number of orbitals
and their orientation within a subshell, which provides
information about the orbital that an electron resides. It
is used to represent the orientation of an atomic orbital
in space. The magnetic quantum number was
proposed by a German-American Physicist, Alfred
Lande, who contributed to the field of quantum
mechanics theory by giving the Lande g-factor and
explaining the Zeeman effect.

The value of the magnetic quantum number (ml)


depends upon the azimuthal or orbital angular quantum
number (l). It ranges from – l to +l, therefore, it can be
concluded that the value of a magnetic quantum
number can be negative, positive, or zero.

Let us discuss the shells, sub-shells, and orbitals in


brief to get a better understanding of the magnetic
quantum number.

The energy level of an electron in an atom represents


the shell or orbit of the atom where electrons reside. It
is expressed in terms of principal quantum number (n).
There could be a maximum of 32 electrons found in a
shell.

The shells are further divided into sub-shells s, p, d,


and f that have different angular momentum. It is
represented in terms of the azimuthal quantum number
(l). It is also considered the pathway of an electron in a
shell.

The sub-shells are further into various orbitals which


are represented in terms of magnetic quantum
numbers (ml). It has been found that an orbital is a
mathematical function describing the wave-like
behaviour of an electron. Each orbital can contain a
maximum of 2 electrons.

Each electron in an orbital shows a positive and a


negative half-spin which is expressed in terms of spin
quantum number (ms ).

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