magnetic quantum number

American  

noun

Physics.

1. 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.

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magnetic quantum number Scientific  

1. The quantum number corresponding to the shape of electron subshells in an atom.

2. Also called third quantum number

3. See Note at quantum number

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Etymology

Origin of magnetic quantum number

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

The magnetic quantum number, ml, with 2l + 1 values ranging from –l to +l, describes the orientation of the orbital in space.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

The magnetic quantum number, ml, specifies the relative spatial orientation of a particular orbital.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019