Quantum number

A quantum number is any one of a set of numbers used to specify the full quantum state of any system in quantum mechanics. Each quantum number specifies the value of a conserved quantity in the dynamics of the quantum system. Since any quantum system can have one or more quantum numbers, it is a futile job to list all possible quantum numbers. This article therefore illustrates the concepts by choosing two well-known examples, after a brief introduction to the general concept of quantum numbers.

References and external links

General principles

• {{Book reference | Author=Dirac, Paul A.M. | Title=Principles of quantum mechanics | Publisher=Oxford University Press |Year=1982 |ID=ISBN 0198520115}}

Atomic physics

• Quantum Numbers and Electron Configurations
• Quantum numbers for the hydrogen atom
• Lecture notes on quantum numbers

Particle physics

• {{Book reference | Author=Griffiths, David J.|Title=Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (2nd ed.) | Publisher=Prentice Hall |Year=2004 |ID=ISBN 013805326X}}
• The particle data group