Thread: quantum numbers in three dimensions

Hey guys,

So we're learning about Schrodinger's equations and learning how to calculate the energy in a cubic "particle in a box model". Apparently, the quantum numbers in the x, y, and z dimensions do not have to be the same. Could anyone please tell me what exactly that means and how we're supposed to know when the quantum numbers change?

Thanks a lot in advance,
Curiousman

quantum numbers describe electrons in an atom,

there is a possible of 6 electrons in a p orbital, in each dimension/subshell x, y and z there can be 2 electrons.

and each of the six electrons (if there are 6) has a specific set of quantum numbers. i guess thats why they dont have to be the same, perhaps that's what's meant.

correct me (anyone) if im wrong.

i suppose its not so much that the numbers change, but that in a single atom there can be no two quantum numbers the same.

and the set of quantum numbers depends on the electron.

Example: The quantum numbers used to refer to the outermost valence electron of the Fluorine (F) atom, which is located in the 2p atomic orbital, are; n = 2, l = 1, ml = 1, or 0, or −1, ms = −1/2 or 1/2.

found that on wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_number

could someone else check to see if i answered it right :P