principal quantum number

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The principal quantum number is an integer n that corresponds to the gross energy states of the atom.

Britannica

For principal quantum number 1 there is but a single type of orbital, called an s orbital.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It follows from the allowed values of l that there are n subshells in a shell of principal quantum number n.

Britannica

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

Britannica

As the principal quantum number increases, there are an increasing number of different types of orbitals, or subshells, corresponding to each: s, p, d, f, g, etc.

Britannica

Each shell consists of n2 individual orbitals with the same principal quantum number and hence (in the hydrogen atom) the same energy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Typically, the fine structure is on the order of one-millionth of the energy difference between the energy levels given by the principal quantum numbers.

Britannica

Here, we assume that energy eigenvalues are well approximated by those of the hydrogen atom for smaller principal quantum numbers.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

It may correspond to transitions between energy bands with principal quantum numbers that are equal to 2. The physical nature of excitation is inessential for further calculations, but further it will be shown that their nature may be determined experimentally.

Nanoscale Research Letters

a For circular orbits, the lowest ones in each atomic shells – including the valence ones, one has ΔO=Δr=2πr, with r the orbital radii thereof, while O=p is the fixed particle's momentum on that orbit; therefore, when combined into eq. (18b) they provide the celebrated Bohr-de Broglie relationship rp=nħ solving the atomic spectra of Hydrogen atom in principal quantum numbers (n).

Chemistry Central Journal

Thus, l divides each shell into n subshells consisting of all electrons of the same principal and orbital quantum numbers.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing atomic structure, explicitly define "principal quantum number" as 'n' to improve clarity and conciseness in scientific writing. Always introduce the full term before using the abbreviation.

Common error

Avoid using "principal quantum number" interchangeably with other quantum numbers like the azimuthal or magnetic quantum numbers. Each quantum number describes a distinct property of an electron's state, and using them incorrectly can lead to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal quantum number" functions as a noun phrase that specifically identifies a key parameter in atomic physics. Ludwig examples confirm its use in defining electron energy levels and orbital characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal quantum number" is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics, serving as a noun phrase that identifies the energy level of an electron within an atom. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use in scientific literature, encyclopedias, and academic contexts. The phrase is primarily used to define and specify this key quantum mechanical property. While alternatives like "main quantum number" exist, they don't fully capture the technical precision of the original term. Therefore, retaining "principal quantum number" is advisable in technical and scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

n quantum number

Uses the symbolic representation 'n' to denote the principal quantum number.

main quantum number

Uses "main" instead of "principal", a simpler synonym indicating primary importance.

first quantum number

Emphasizes the sequential order of quantum numbers, highlighting its role as the initial descriptor.

atomic energy level quantum number

Specifies that the energy level is within an atom.

energy level quantum number

Directly links the quantum number to the energy level of an electron.

electron shell quantum number

Connects the quantum number to the electron shell within an atom.

Bohr's quantum number

Refers to the historical context and origin of the concept attributed to Niels Bohr.

effective principal quantum number

Indicates a modified principal quantum number used in specific calculations.

radial quantum number

Highlights the radial aspect of the quantum number's influence on electron distribution.

total quantum number

Implies the overarching role of this number in defining quantum state.

FAQs

What does the "principal quantum number" represent?

The "principal quantum number", denoted as 'n', represents the energy level of an electron in an atom. It determines the size and energy of the electron's orbital.

How does the "principal quantum number" relate to electron shells?

Each "principal quantum number" corresponds to an electron shell. n=1 is the innermost shell, n=2 is the next, and so on. Higher values of n indicate higher energy levels and greater distances from the nucleus.

Which values can the "principal quantum number" have?

The "principal quantum number" can be any positive integer (1, 2, 3, etc.). It cannot be zero or negative.

Is there a difference between "principal quantum number" and "azimuthal quantum number"?

Yes, they are different. The "principal quantum number" (n) determines the energy level, while the "azimuthal quantum number" (l) describes the shape of the electron's orbital and has values ranging from 0 to n-1.