magnetic quantum number
nounPhysics.
the quantum number that designates the component of the orbital angular momentum in a fixed direction and that can assume all integral values between and including the orbital quantum number and the negative of the orbital quantum number.
Origin of magnetic quantum number
1First recorded in 1920–25
Words Nearby magnetic quantum number
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
Scientific definitions for magnetic quantum number
magnetic quantum number
The quantum number corresponding to the shape of electron subshells in an atom. Also called third quantum number See Note at quantum number.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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