Magnetic quantum number

A quantum number specifying the component of angular momentum along a chosen axis. Its allowed values distinguish projections of an angular momentum state onto that axis.

Angular momentum: A physical quantity measuring rotational motion, represented in quantum mechanics by operators with quantized components. The magnetic quantum number labels an allowed component of angular momentum.
Angular momentum quantization: The restriction of quantum angular momentum magnitudes and components to discrete values. It constrains the projection values denoted by the magnetic quantum number.
Atomic orbital: A quantum state of an electron in an atom, described by spatial wavefunctions and quantum numbers. The magnetic quantum number distinguishes orbital states within a subshell.
Spin magnetic quantum number: The quantum number mₛ specifying the projection of intrinsic spin angular momentum along a chosen axis. It labels spin projection rather than the orbital projection commonly denoted mℓ.
Quantum number: A discrete value specifying a measurable property or state of a quantum system. It is one member of the quantum-number scheme used to label atomic states.
Angular momentum commutation relations: Operator relations showing that different components of angular momentum cannot be simultaneously specified exactly. They permit a definite chosen-axis component alongside total angular momentum.
Electron configuration: The distribution of electrons among an atom's quantum states and subshells. Its possible orbital states are counted using the allowed magnetic quantum numbers.
Total angular momentum quantum number: The quantum number j specifying the total angular-momentum magnitude of a quantum state. It sets the allowed projections when total, rather than orbital, angular momentum is considered.
Orbital angular momentum quantum number: The quantum number ℓ specifying the magnitude of an electron's orbital angular momentum. Its value sets the range of possible magnetic quantum numbers.
Stern–Gerlach experiment: An experiment in which a magnetic-field gradient splits a beam of atoms into discrete paths. The separated paths reveal discrete angular-momentum projections.

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