Orbitals
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Topic Summary & Highlights
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Core Concept
Definition: Orbitals are regions in 3D space around the nucleus of an atom where there is a high probability of finding an electron.
Key Characteristics:
Each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.
Orbitals are described by quantum numbers, which determine their size, shape, orientation, and energy.
Practice Tips
Orbitals are regions where electrons are likely to be found, described by quantum numbers - exist in three dimensional space
Probability regions - NOT fixed paths or orbits. Orbits ≠ Orbitals
Different types of orbitals (s, p, d, f) have unique shapes and capacities.
Electron configurations and orbital filling rules explain the chemical behavior of elements.
Types of Orbitals
s-Orbitals:
Shape: Spherical (like a ball)
Energy Levels: Found in every energy level (n ≥ 1).
Number sub-orbitals per energy level: 1
Electron capacity: 2 electrons maximum
Examples: 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s...
Visual: Think of spherical balloons of increasing size
p-Orbitals:
Shape: Dumbbell-shaped or figure 8
Energy Levels: First appears 2nd Energy level; found in energy levels n ≥ 2
Number sub-orbitals per energy level: 3 (px, py, pz)
Electron capacity: 6 electrons total (2 per orbital)
Orientation: Along x, y, and z axes
d-Orbitals:
Shape: Complex'; Cloverleaf-shaped or donut-dumbbell.
Energy Levels: First appears 3rd Energy level; found in energy levels n ≥ 3
Number per energy level: 5
Electron capacity: 10 electrons total (2 per orbital)
f-Orbitals:
Shape: Complex, multi-lobed
Energy Levels: First appears 3rd Energy level; found in energy levels n ≥ 3
Number per energy level: 7
Electron capacity: 14 electrons total (2 per orbital)
⚠️ Common Misconceptions
"Electrons orbit like planets"
Truth: Electrons exist in probability clouds, not fixed paths
Key: Think clouds, not orbits
"Orbitals are physical containers"
Truth: Orbitals are mathematical probability regions
Key: They describe where electrons are likely to be found
"All orbitals are the same size"
Truth: Higher energy orbitals are larger
Example: 3s orbital is larger than 2s orbital
"Orbital shapes are 2D"
Truth: All orbitals exist in three-dimensional space
Key: s orbitals are spheres, p orbitals are 3D dumbbells
"Higher energy always means farther from nucleus"
Truth: Energy depends on both distance and orbital penetration
Example: 4s fills before 3d despite being "4th level"