| Principal Quantum Number |
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DERIVATION There are a set of quantum numbers associated with the energy states of the atom. The four quantum numbers ''n'', ''l'', ''m'', and ''s'' specify the complete and unique Quantum State of a single electron in an atom called its Wavefunction or Orbital . No two electrons can have the same four quantum numbers which is shown in the Pauli Exclusion Principle . The wavefunction of the Schrödinger Wave Equation reduces to the three equations that when solved lead to the first three quantum numbers. Therefore, the equations for the first three quantum numbers are all interrelated. The principal quantum number arose in the solution of the radial part of the wave equation as shown below. The Schrödinger wave equation describes energy Eigenstates having corresponding real numbers ''En'' with a definite total energy which the value of ''En'' defines. The bound state energies of the electron in the hydrogen atom are given by: : The parameter n can take only positive integer values. This idea of energy levels and notation was borrowed from the earlier Bohr Model Of The Atom and expanded in Schroedinger's equation from the flat two-dimensional Bohr atom to the three-dimensional wavefunction model of the atom. The allowed orbits depend on quantized (discrete) values of orbital Angular Momentum , ''L'' according to the equation :: : Where ''n'' = 1,2,3,… and is called the Principal Quantum Number , and ''h'' is Planck's Constant . The energy of any wave is the frequency multiplied by Planck's constant. This causes the wave to display particle-like packets of energy called Quanta . To show each of the quantum numbers in the quantum state, the formulae for each quantum number include Planck's reduced constant which only allows particular or discrete or quantized energy levels. The principal quantum number n represents the relative overall Energy of each orbital and the energy of each orbital increases as the distance from the nucleus increases. The sets of orbitals with the same ''n''-value are often referred to as electron shells or Energy Level s. In the notation of the periodic table, the main shells of electrons are labeled: K(n=1), L(n=2), M(n=3), etc. based on the principal quantum number. SEE ALSO
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