🔬 Quantum Number Calculator

What quantum numbers describe

Quantum numbers describe the unique quantum state of an electron in an atom. The principal quantum number n sets the energy shell, and it determines the allowed ranges for the other quantum numbers.

The rules used

For a given n, the azimuthal quantum number l can range from 0 to n−1 (giving n subshells: s, p, d, f, …). For each l, the magnetic quantum number m_l ranges from −l to +l (2l+1 values), and each orbital holds 2 electrons (spin up and down, m_s = +½ or −½). This gives n² total orbitals and a maximum of 2n² electrons in shell n.

These are the standard quantum mechanical rules from atomic theory, used for general chemistry and physics education.