Principal quantum number

The effective (main) quantum number (or even ) is required in the quantum physics, to account for the shielding of the outer electron shell of positively charged atomic nuclei by the inner electron shells. For example, shields with lithium as the lightest element with two electron shells, the inner shell 1s the lying further out 2s shell some of the core from.

Use

The effective quantum number of an electron shell is defined as

With

• The respective principal quantum number and
• The quantum defect, which in turn depends on the principal quantum number of orbital angular momentum and the main.

If in the formula for the binding or ionization energy of the electrons of the hydrogen-like alkali atoms

With

• The atomic number
• The Rydberg energy = 13.59843340 eV for hydrogen

The principal quantum number by the effective quantum number:

So with this formula also adapted shielded conditions can be described, i.e., atoms or ions with more than one electron.

Swell

• Wolfgang Demtröder: Experimental Physics 3: atoms, molecules and solids. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2009, ISBN 978-3-540-68210-3.

• Quantum physics