sentences:  However the multiplicity equals the number of spin orientations only if S ≤ L. When S > L there are only 2L+1 orientations of total angular momentum possible, ranging from S+L to S-L.The ground state of the nitrogen atom is a 4S state, for which "2S + 1" = 4 in a "quartet" state, "S" = 3/2 due to three unpaired electrons.For an S state, L = 0 so that J can only be 3/2 and there is only one level even though the multiplicity is 4.