first quantum number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first quantum number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in the context of discussing quantum mechanics or atomic structure, specifically referring to the principal quantum number that indicates the energy level of an electron in an atom. Example: "The first quantum number, also known as the principal quantum number, determines the size and energy of the electron's orbital."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

So, that's the second quantum number.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I think this is taken about two years after they discovered the fourth quantum number.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It required the introduction of a fourth quantum number, a highly counterintuitive move as the new quantum number represents nothing that can be visualised.

The Guardian - Opinion

So, we need to actually add on this fourth quantum number, and it's either going to be plus 1/2 or negative 1/2.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So, that's an important distinction to make -- what three quantum numbers tell us, versus what the fourth quantum number can fill in for us in terms of information.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And as the story goes, as Goudsmit was leaving and the door with slamming, Wolfgang Pauli was already writing down this idea into a scientific paper of the idea of a fourth quantum number.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But at the time, they didn't have a well-formed name for it, they were just saying OK, there's this fourth quantum number, there's this intrinsic property in the electron.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So I think we are, in fact, ready to move on to multi-electron atoms, and what happens is when we solved the relativistic version of the Schrodinger equation and we're discussing more than one electron, we actually have a fourth quantum number that falls out and that we need to deal with and this is called the electron spin quantum number.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So we can completely describe an orbital with just using three quantum numbers, but we have this fourth quantum number that describes something about the electron that's required for now a complete description of the electron, and that's the idea of spin.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Although the model was augmented by more elaborate specifications of the orbits (most notably, first, by allowing for elliptical orbits and introducing a second quantum number to specify the elongation of the ellipse and, second, by allowing for the effects of relativity), the failure to generalize to many-electron atoms remained a fatal flaw.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1925, however, two Dutch physicists, Samuel Goudsmit and George Uhlenbeck, realized that, in order to explain fully the spectra of light emitted by the atoms of alkali metals, such as sodium, which have one outer valence electron beyond the main core, there must be a fourth quantum number that can take only two values, −1/2 and +1/2.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing atomic structure, clarify that "first quantum number" typically refers to the principal quantum number (n), which defines the electron's energy level.

Common error

Avoid using "first quantum number" loosely without specifying that you are referring to the principal quantum number. Other quantum numbers are also fundamental, and failing to specify can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first quantum number" functions as a noun phrase identifying a specific quantum number in atomic physics. It is typically used to introduce or refer to the principal quantum number, which describes the energy level of an electron.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first quantum number" refers to the principal quantum number (n), a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that defines an electron's energy level and orbital size. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to clarify that you're referring to the principal quantum number to avoid ambiguity, as there are other essential quantum numbers. Consider using the more common term "principal quantum number" for better clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principal quantum number

This is a more formal and widely recognized term for the same concept, often preferred in scientific literature.

primary quantum number

This alternative emphasizes the foundational role of the quantum number in defining electron energy levels.

n quantum number

Using 'n' as a shorthand, this directly refers to the quantum number without explicitly stating 'first'.

initial quantum number

Implies the quantum number that defines the starting energy state of an electron.

fundamental quantum number

Highlights the importance of this quantum number as a basic descriptor of atomic structure.

quantum number n​

Using 'n' as a shorthand after the full term.

leading quantum number

Emphasizes the role of this quantum number in determining the overall electronic configuration.

ground state quantum number

Refers specifically to the principal quantum number associated with the lowest energy level.

lowest quantum number

Focuses on the smallest possible value for the principal quantum number.

valence quantum number

This relates to the quantum number of valence electrons.

FAQs

What is the significance of the "first quantum number"?

The "first quantum number", also known as the principal quantum number (n), primarily determines an electron's energy level and the size of its orbital in an atom. Higher values of n indicate higher energy levels and larger orbitals.

Is there another name for the "first quantum number"?

Yes, the "first quantum number" is most commonly referred to as the "principal quantum number". It can also be called the primary quantum number.

How does the "first quantum number" relate to other quantum numbers?

The "first quantum number" (n) sets the stage for the other quantum numbers. The azimuthal or angular momentum quantum number (l) depends on n (l can range from 0 to n-1). The magnetic quantum number (ml) depends on l (ml can range from -l to +l). Finally, the spin quantum number (ms) is independent.

What values can the "first quantum number" have?

The "first quantum number" (n) can only have positive integer values: 1, 2, 3, and so on. These integers correspond to the electron shells of an atom, with 1 being the shell closest to the nucleus.