Physics:Quantum atoms/angular momentum

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Angular momentum in an atom is a quantized physical quantity associated with the motion and intrinsic properties of an electron. It plays a central role in determining the structure of orbitals and the behavior of electrons in atoms.

File:Angular momentum quantum.png
Quantization of angular momentum in atomic orbitals.

Description

In quantum mechanics, angular momentum is described by quantum numbers and is restricted to discrete values. It arises in two forms:

  • orbital angular momentum, associated with the electron’s motion in an orbital
  • intrinsic angular momentum, known as spin

These quantities determine the allowed energy states and spatial distributions of electrons.

Properties

  • quantized values
  • determines orbital shapes
  • linked to energy levels and spectra

See also

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References


Author: Harold Foppele


Source attribution: Physics:Quantum atoms/angular momentum