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Spin Quantum Number Definition

Chemistry Glossary Definition of Spin Quantum Number

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com

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Definition: The fourth quantum number denoted by ms. The spin quantum number indicates the orientation of the intrinsic angular momentum of an electron in an atom. The only possible values of a spin quantum number are +½ or -½ (sometimes referred to as 'spin up' and 'spin down').

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