main quantum number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main quantum number" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of quantum mechanics to describe the principal energy level of an electron in an atom. Example: "The main quantum number determines the size and energy of the electron's orbital."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The results obtained here allow giving a definite answer to this question, because in the infrared range, absorption can also have the nature of electronic transitions between states with the main quantum number equal to 2. The alpha-helix is interesting as a mathematical object too.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Subscript f of the energy ε f points to the standard set of quantum numbers: f = {n f, l f, m f }, where n f  = 1, 2, 3, … is the main quantum number, which belongs to the set f, l f  = 0, 1, 2, …, n f  − 1 is the orbital quantum number, while m f = 0, ± 1, ± 2, …, ± l f is the azimuthal quantum number of the same set.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The number l, called the orbital quantum number, must be less than the principal quantum number n, which corresponds to a "shell" of electrons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Three quantum numbers are needed to specify each orbital in an atom, the most important of these being the principal quantum number, n, the same quantum number that Bohr introduced.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the case of quantum mechanics Weyl asserts that: "All quantum numbers, with the exception of the so-called principal quantum number, are indices characterising representations of groups".

SEP

Here, n is the principal quantum number.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

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

Here, p is the radial quantum number.

Nature

There is a magnetic quantum number also associated with the angular momentum of the quantum state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So, that's the second quantum number.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The quantum number n labels the shell of the atom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing atomic structure, use "main quantum number" to clearly indicate the principal energy level of an electron. Ensure the context is appropriate for quantum mechanics discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "main quantum number" interchangeably with other quantum numbers such as the azimuthal or magnetic quantum numbers. Each quantum number describes a different property of the electron, and using the terms precisely will improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main quantum number" functions as a noun phrase identifying a specific quantum mechanical property. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It specifically denotes the quantum number (n) that determines the energy level or shell of an electron in an atom.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Encyclopedias

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main quantum number" is a technically precise term used within the scientific domain of quantum mechanics. It refers to the quantum number (n) that defines the energy level of an electron within an atom. Ludwig AI verifies its correctness and usability. While interchangeable with "principal quantum number", it's crucial to differentiate it from other quantum numbers describing different electron properties. Predominantly used in formal and scientific contexts, the "main quantum number" is essential for accurately discussing atomic structure and electron behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principal quantum number

Uses "principal" instead of "main" to describe the primary quantum number, a common synonym.

primary quantum number

Replaces "main" with "primary", indicating the most important quantum number.

first quantum number

Emphasizes the order or priority of this quantum number in describing an electron's state.

energy level quantum number

Highlights the relationship of the quantum number to the energy level of an electron.

n quantum number

Uses the symbol 'n' commonly associated with the main quantum number.

quantum shell number

Refers to the quantum number associated with electron shells.

electron shell quantum number

Specifies that the quantum number defines the electron shell.

atomic energy level number

Broader term relating to the energy levels within an atom, identified by a quantum number.

quantum number for energy level

Describes the quantum number's role in specifying energy levels.

Bohr's quantum number

Connects the quantum number to Bohr's atomic model.

FAQs

What does the "main quantum number" describe?

The "main quantum number", often denoted as 'n', describes the energy level or shell of an electron in an atom. It determines the size and energy of the electron's orbital.

What is another term for "main quantum number"?

A common alternative to "main quantum number" is "principal quantum number". Both terms refer to the same concept.

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

The "main quantum number" is one of four quantum numbers (the others being the azimuthal, magnetic, and spin quantum numbers) that describe the state of an electron. While the "main quantum number" specifies the energy level, the others describe the shape, orientation, and spin of the electron's orbital.

Why is the "main quantum number" important?

The "main quantum number" is crucial for understanding the electronic structure of atoms and molecules. It determines the allowed energy levels for electrons, which dictates the chemical properties of elements and their interactions.