principal quantum number
[ prin-suh-puhl kwon-tuhm nuhm-ber ]
nounPhysics.
the nonnegative, integral quantum number that defines the stationary orbits in the Bohr model of the atom.
Origin of principal quantum number
1First recorded in 1920–25
- Also called to·tal quan·tum num·ber [toht-l kwon-tuhm nuhm-ber] /ˈtoʊt l ˈkwɒn təm ˈnʌm bər/ .
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
Scientific definitions for principal quantum number
principal quantum number
[ prĭn′sə-pəl ]
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Browse