Which quantum number is used to describe the orientation of an orbital in space?

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The magnetic quantum number describes the orientation of an orbital in space. It can take values from -l to +l, giving 2l + 1 distinct orientations within a subshell. For example, in a p subshell there are three possible orientations (l = 1), corresponding to the different spatial directions an electron cloud can point. This orientation concept is separate from the size/energy set by the principal quantum number and from the shape set by the orbital angular momentum number, as well as from the electron’s spin orientation described by the spin quantum number.