What characteristic of an orbital is determined by the principal quantum number $n$?
Answer
Size and energy level
The principal quantum number, symbolized by $n$, is the primary quantum number used to categorize orbitals and serves as the main determinant of an orbital's scale and energy within an atom. Higher numerical values of $n$ signify an orbital that is larger on average, meaning the electron associated with that orbital spends more time farther away from the atomic nucleus. For instance, a $2s$ orbital is larger and possesses higher energy than a $1s$ orbital. While $n$ establishes the energy shell, other quantum numbers, like the angular momentum quantum number ($l$), are necessary to define the specific shape (like $s, p, d$) and the exact orientation of the orbital in space.
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