Chapter 4: Problem 125

What is an orbital?

Short Answer

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An orbital is a region around the nucleus of an atom where an electron is most likely to be found, based on the quantum mechanical model. There are four primary types of orbitals: s, p, d, and f orbitals, each with different shapes and capacities for holding electrons. These orbitals describe the spatial distribution and behavior of electrons in an atom, providing a deeper understanding of atomic structure.

Step by step solution

1. Quantum Mechanical Model

The quantum mechanical model of an atom was developed by various scientists, such as Erwin Schrödinger and Werner Heisenberg. It describes the behavior of electrons in atoms using wave functions and probabilities rather than strict paths, providing a more accurate model of an atom's behavior. This model replaces the classical Bohr model, where electrons orbited the nucleus in fixed paths like planets around the sun.

2. Electron Cloud

The quantum mechanical model of the atom describes the region around the nucleus where an electron is most likely to be found as an electron cloud. The electron cloud consists of various shapes and sizes, each representing an area with the highest probability of finding an electron. This high probability area is called an "orbital."

3. Types of Orbitals

There are four primary types of orbitals: s, p, d, and f orbitals. Each type of orbital has a different shape and is associated with different energy levels, and they are used to describe the spatial distribution of electrons around the nucleus in an atom.

3.1. S Orbital

S orbitals are spherical and symmetric around the nucleus. They are the simplest type of orbital. Each energy level has one s orbital, and it can hold up to 2 electrons.

3.2. P Orbital

P orbitals are shaped like dumbbells and are oriented along the x, y, and z axes. Starting from the second energy level, each energy level has three p orbitals. Each p orbital can hold up to 2 electrons, so a set of p orbitals can hold a total of 6 electrons.

3.3. D Orbital

D orbitals are composed of complex shapes with four lobes, and they start appearing from the third energy level. Each energy level has five d orbitals. Each d orbital can hold up to 2 electrons, so a set of d orbitals can hold a total of 10 electrons.

3.4. F Orbital

F orbitals have the most complex shapes and begin to appear from the fourth energy level. Each energy level has seven f orbitals. Each f orbital can hold up to 2 electrons, so a set of f orbitals can hold a total of 14 electrons. In summary, an orbital is a region around the nucleus of an atom where an electron is most likely to be found. There are different types of orbitals, such as s, p, d, and f orbitals, each with different shapes and capacities for holding electrons. These orbitals help to accurately describe the spatial distribution and behavior of electrons in an atom using the quantum mechanical model, providing a deeper understanding of atomic structure.

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What is an orbital?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

1. Quantum Mechanical Model

2. Electron Cloud

3. Types of Orbitals

3.1. S Orbital

3.2. P Orbital

3.3. D Orbital

3.4. F Orbital

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