magnetic quantum number


noun Physics.

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

First recorded in 1920–25

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.