Quantum Numbers: Address of an Electron

Just like you have a home address, every electron has a unique address defined by 4 Quantum Numbers.

Shapes of Orbitals

Textbooks show flat circles. Our lab shows the real 3D probability clouds.

Explore 3D Orbitals

The 4 Numbers

1. Principal (n): Shell size (K, L, M...).
2. Azimuthal (l): Shape (s=0, p=1, d=2).
3. Magnetic (m): Orientation (px, py, pz).
4. Spin (s): Rotation (+1/2, -1/2).