Physics › Section U · Quantum and atomic physics › Topic U.7
Quantum numbers and the Pauli principle
Bohr's single number n cannot describe everything an electron in an atom does. Four quantum numbers can, and one rule about them, the Pauli exclusion principle, builds the shells of every atom and so explains the layout of the periodic table.
In this topic
- Matter waves explain Bohr's rule
- Spectra demand more quantum numbers
- Four quantum numbers
- Orbital angular momentum: l
- Direction: m_l
- Spin: m_s
- Worked example: a d electron
- The Pauli exclusion principle
- Worked example: the n = 4 shell
- Shells and the periodic table
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
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