[Physics] Why are the quantum numbers $n$ and $\ell$ denoted with those letters

atomic-physicshistorynotationorbitalsquantum mechanics

We have 4 quantum numbers: principal, azimuthal, magnetic and spin (denoted $n$, $\ell$, $m$ and $s$ respectively). I assume $m$ and $s$ are simply the initials of 'magnetic' and 'spin'.
Is there any rationale behind the $n$ and $\ell$ denomination?

Best Answer

The principle quantum number is denoted $n$ because it is a 'natural number', $n=1,2,3,4....$.

The secondary azimuthal quantum number (also known as orbital angular momentum) is denoted $\ell$ through its association with angular momentum (typically denoted $L$).

Related Question