Quantum numbers are numerical values that describe the energy, position, and orientation of an electron within an atom. They are used to predict the electron's behavior and location within an atom.
There are four quantum numbers: the principal quantum number, the angular momentum quantum number, the magnetic quantum number, and the spin quantum number.
The principal quantum number, also known as the n value, dictates the overall energy level of an electron. As n increases, the energy level of the electron increases as well.
The angular momentum quantum number, also known as the l value, tells us about the shape of an electron's orbital. The magnetic quantum number, or ml value, describes the orbital's orientation in space. Together, these numbers provide information about the electron's position and orientation within the atom.
The spin quantum number, or ms value, describes the spin of an electron. This value, along with the other quantum numbers, helps us understand how electrons are arranged in orbitals and how they interact with each other within an atom.