NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Angular momentum quantum number

The Principal quantum number (usually written n) is the first quantum number of an atomic orbital. It represents the relative overall energy, and hence also the average distance from the nucleus, of an orbital. The sets of orbitals with the same n-value are often referred to as electron shells or energy levels.

The atomic orbitals with n=1 are said to be in the 'K'-shell
The atomic orbitals with n=2 are said to be in the 'L'-shell
The atomic orbitals with n=3 are said to be in the 'M'-shell
The atomic orbitals with n=4 are said to be in the 'N'-shell

Results from FactBites:

angular momentum: Definition and Much More from Answers.com (1766 words)
	In physics the angular momentum of an object with respect to a reference point is a measure for the extent to which, and the direction in which, the object rotates about the reference point.
	Angular momentum is important in physics because it is a conserved quantity: a system's angular momentum stays constant unless an external torque acts on it.
	Under this formalism, angular momentum is the 2-form Noether charge associated with rotational invariance (As a result, angular momentum isn't conserved for general curved spacetimes, unless it happens to be asymptotically rotationally invariant).

More results at FactBites »

COMMENTARY

Share your thoughts, questions and commentary here

Want to know more?
Search encyclopedia, statistics and forums:

Feeds | Contact
The Wikipedia article included on this page is licensed under the GFDL.
Images may be subject to relevant owners' copyright.
All other elements are (c) copyright NationMaster.com 2003-5. All Rights Reserved.
Usage implies agreement with terms.