Question

Which quantum number reveal information about the shape, energy, orientation and size of orbitals?

Answer 1

The principal quantum number (n) gives us information about the energy and size of an orbital. As the value of n increases, the electron is farther from the nucleus, meaning the orbital is larger and has more energy.

The azimuthal quantum number (l) tells us about the shape of the orbital. For example, when l = 0, the shape is spherical (s-orbital), and when l=1, the shape is dumbbell-shaped (p-orbital), and so on.

The magnetic quantum number (ml) describes the orientation of the orbital in space. It shows how the orbital is aligned around the nucleus, such as along the x, y, or z axis in case of p-orbitals.

So, the size and energy come from n, the shape comes from l, and the orientation comes from ml​.