Electron Configuration - the real meaning of ml?

[delempicka]

So I know that ml is the number of orbitals and equals -l to +l...
as in 2p6...
quantum # equals 2
l=1 (or P subshell)
so there are 3 orbitals, each relating to -1,0,1

but...what is the MEANING of -1,0,1...besides from the fact that they represent the x,y,z axis...?

Also, is there a good way to think of why the S orbital is higher in NRG than the P orbital...etc...

thanks

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[Phlame217]

the meaning of the numbers is relative, its a man made concept to quantify and analyze nature. for all you care, it could be an apple and orange and a banana, but the scientists chose -1,0,1 to describe the axis.

And the orbital think just remember the tree design,