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Chapter 3: Problem 10

What is an orbital?

Short Answer

Expert verified
An orbital is a mathematical function that describes the wave-like behavior of an electron in an atom. It also gives the probability of finding an electron in different areas around the nucleus. The orbital forms a cloud-like shape around the nucleus where the electron is likely to be.

Step by step solution

01

Establish Context

The term 'orbital' is commonly used when discussing atomic structure, particularly in the field of quantum physics and chemistry. It is closely associated with other terms such as electrons and energy levels.
02

Define Orbital

Simply put, an orbital is a mathematical function that describes particular wave-like behavior of an electron in an atom. This function generally gives the probability of finding any electron of an atom in various points around the nucleus.
03

Explaining Further Characteristics

Different orbitals have different shapes and orientations, depending on the energy level and type of orbital. In an atom, electrons occupy these orbitals. When an electron occupies an orbital, the 'location' it may be found in is generally a cloud-like region in space around the nucleus instead of a fixed circular path.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Use the following terms to create a concept map: proton, atomic number, atomic theory, orbital, and electron.

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