Principal Quantum Number: The quantum number that determines the size and (in hydrogen atoms) the energy of an orbital. N is used to label electron shells. N may take on integer values from 1 to infinity.

 

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Principal Quantum Number: The quantum number that determines the size and (in hydrogen atoms) the energy of an orbital. N is used to label electron shells. N may take on integer values from 1 to infinity.

Angular Momentum Quantum Number: (ell) azimuthal quantum number; orbital angular momentum quantum number. A quantum number that labels the subshells of an atom. Sometimes called the orbital angular momentum quantum number, . . . View Full Definition

Principal On A Note: The face amount of a note: the amount (excluding interest) that the maker agrees to pay the payee.

Principal Meridian: The main imaginary line running north and south and crossing a base line at a definite point, used by surveyors for reference in location and describing land under the rectangular (governmen . . . View Full Definition

Principal Planes: Imaginary lines which pass through the nodal planes of a lens system.

Principal Exchange-Rated-Linked Securities (PERLS): A debt instrument with its principal and interest denominated in U.S. dollars, but with principal repayment depending on the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against a foreign currency.

Principal Stockholder: A stockholder who owns 10% or more of the voting stock of a company. Such stockholders must report all trading in the stock to the SEC pursuant insider trading rules.

Principal-Agent Relationship: Occurs when one person, an agent, acts on the behalf of another person, the principal.

Principal Point: Point from which the focal length is measured. The principal point of a simple lens is located at the center of the lens. Compound lenses have two principal points, the location of which can . . . View Full Definition

Principal Axis: Imaginary line which passes through the center of curvature of all the lens elements.