Quantum numbers are numerical values that describe the energy levels and properties of electrons in an atom. They represent the allowed energy states of electrons and their spatial distribution within an atom.
There are four quantum numbers: principal, angular momentum, magnetic, and spin. Each quantum number describes a different aspect of an electron's energy and location within an atom.
The principal quantum number, symbolized as "n", describes the main energy level or shell that an electron occupies in an atom. It determines the size and energy of an electron's orbital.
The angular momentum quantum number, symbolized as "l", describes the shape of an electron's orbital within a specific energy level. It can have values ranging from 0 to n-1, representing the different sublevels within a shell.
The spin quantum number, symbolized as "s", describes the direction of an electron's spin within an orbital. It can have values of +1/2 or -1/2, representing the two possible spin orientations of an electron.