An electron orbital is a region in an atom where there is a high probability of finding an electron. Orbitals can be visualized as clouds around the nucleus, each with
distinct shapes and orientations. These shapes are significant since they influence how atoms interact with each other to form molecules.
The different types of orbitals — s, p, d, and f — have shapes that are spherical, dumbbell, cloverleaf, and complex, respectively. The
principal quantum number (
) helps identify the energy level of these orbitals, for example:
- At , there is only an s orbital.
- At , there are one s and three p orbitals.
It's important to note that electrons fill the lowest energy orbitals first (the Aufbau principle). Understanding electron orbitals is key for JEE aspirants as questions often delve into electron configurations, the periodic table's structure, and the formation of chemical bonds.