An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

In quantum mechanics, a quantum number that distinguishes the different shapes of the orbitals.

Azimuthal, adj. from → azimuth; → quantum number.

In atomic physics, a quantum number that denotes the energy levels available within a subshell. Designated by the letter m, it is one of a set of quantum numbers which describe the unique quantum state of an electron.

→ magnetic; → quantum; → number.

In atomic physics, the first of a set of quantum numbers which describe an atomic orbital. Symbolized as n, it characterizes the size and energy of an orbital.

→ principal; → quantum; → number.

A number used in quantum mechanics, specifying the state of an electron bound in an atomic system. The quantum numbers are integers or half integers and specify the number of units of energy, momentum, spin, etc. possessed by an electron.

→ quantum; → number.

An integer or half-integer on which the magnitude of a particle's → spin angular momentum depends. It is expressed in units of → Planck's constant divided by 2π. Called also spin, denoted s. The spin of a particle can only have a value that is zero or a multiple of 1/2. Particles with half-integer spins, 1/2, 3/2, 5/2, ..., are → fermions. Particles with integer spin (0, 1, 2, ...) are called → bosons.

→ spin; → quantum; → number.