One of the most important places in the scientific perception of the modern world is occupied by the so-called quantum theory. It is based on the position that the energy hidden in the electron can be calculated, since its value can only take on certain values. At the same time, the most important consequence of this state of things is the conclusion that the state of an electron at one time or another can be described by a set of quantitative indicators - quantum numbers.
The principal quantum number is of paramount importance in this theory. This term in modern physics is usually called a quantitative indicator, according to which a given state of an electron is attributed to a certain energy level. The energy level, in turn, is a set of orbitals, the difference in energy value between which is extremely insignificant.
As follows from this provision, the main quantum number can be equal to one of the positive natural numbers. In this case, another fact is of fundamental importance. After all, in the case of an electron transition to a different energy level, the main quantum number will change its value without fail.meaning. Here it is quite appropriate to draw a parallel with the Niels Bohr model, where an elementary particle passes from one orbit to another, as a result of which a certain amount of energy is released or absorbed.
The principal quantum number is most directly related to the orbital quantum number. The thing is that any energy level is heterogeneous in nature and includes several orbitals at once. Those of them that have the same energy value form a separate sublevel. To find out to which sublevel this or that orbital belongs, the concept of "orbital quantum number" is used. To calculate it, one must be subtracted from the main quantum number. Then all natural numbers from zero to this indicator will constitute the orbital quantum number.
The most important function of this quantitative characteristic is that it not only correlates an electron with one or another sublevel, but also characterizes the motion trajectory of a given elementary particle. Hence, by the way, the letter designation of the orbitals, which are also known from the school chemistry course: s, d, p, g, f.
Another important characteristic of the position of an electron is the magnetic quantum number. Its main physical meaning is to characterize the projection of the angular momentum with respect to the direction coinciding with the direction of the magnetic field. In other words, itnecessary in order to distinguish between electrons that occupy orbitals whose quantum number is the same.
Magnetic quantum number can vary within 2l+1, where l is a quantitative characteristic of the orbital quantum number. In addition, a magnetic spin number is also distinguished, which is necessary in order to characterize the quantum property of an elementary particle in its pure form. Spin is nothing but a moment of momentum, which can be compared to the rotation of an electron around its own imaginary axis.
