Chemistry / Unit 5 Chem 0828 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Magnetic Quantum Number, ml
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The idea
The magnetic quantum number, ml, ranges from −l to +l and sets a specific orbital's spatial orientation within its subshell.
In practice
The p subshell, with l = 1, has three ml values, −1, 0, and +1, giving three p orbitals oriented along three axes.
Where people slip
Different ml values within one subshell describe orbitals of identical shape and energy, differing only in spatial orientation.
Your place on the trail
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