principal quantum number

noun

The quantum number (of an atomic orbital) that specifies the energy of an electron in an atom and, hence, which shell it occupies

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Meanings

nounprincipal quantum number (plural principal quantum numbers)

plural principal quantum numbers

  1. natural sciencesThe quantum number (of an atomic orbital) that specifies the energy of an electron in an atom and, hence, which shell it occupies

Translations

Hungarian főkvantumszám
  • főkvantumszámphysics
Polish główna liczba kwantowa
  • główna liczba kwantowaphysics
Cite this entry
APA

principal quantum number. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/principal%20quantum%20number

MLA

“principal quantum number.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/principal%20quantum%20number. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “principal quantum number,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/principal%20quantum%20number.

Source: principal quantum number on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.