Principal quantum number
Each electron in electron shell has its
energy. The value of principal quantum number is determined
by electron energy and
also orbital size. The
values of principal quantum number can be n = 1, 2, ...
Electron with the same value of n create electron layer.
Different layers are marked by letters K, L, M, N, O, P, Q
for n = 1, 2, ..., 7.
Azimuthal quantum number
Azimuthal quantum number - l determines orbital
space shape and orbital energy state.
The values can be l = 0, 1, 2, ..., n-1 (for each n value
exists i values of l, that means 0, 1, 2, ...,
n-i).
Values of l are
marked by letter:
|
l
value |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
orbital
type |
s |
p |
d |
f |
The letter s, p, d, f are
written behind principal quantum number and we can say 1s,
2s, 2p, 3d etc. The orbital energy with the same principal
quantum number n increases in the following order s<p<d<f.
Magnetic quantum number
Magnetic quantum number - m udetermines space
orientation of the orbitals and the values of
magnetic quantum number can be (m =
-l, ..., -1, 0, 1, ... l)- e.g. for n = 2 and l = 1 the
value of m is -1, 0, 1.
Spin quantum number
In each state characterized by 3 quantum numbers
(n, l, m) can be most 2 electrons, that differ in 4th
quantum number. This number is called spin quantum number -
s and its values can be +1/2 alebo -1/2. 
In each orbital there can be 2 electrons
differing in spin quantum number that form electron pair.
