ATOMIC ORBITALS Meaning and
Definition
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Atomic orbitals are regions of space surrounding the nucleus of an atom in which electrons are most likely to be found. These orbitals are three-dimensional regions with specific energy levels and shapes and are often represented by mathematical functions called wavefunctions. They determine the probability distribution of finding an electron in a given space.
Each atomic orbital is characterized by a unique set of quantum numbers, including the principal quantum number (n), which represents the main energy level or shell, and the azimuthal quantum number (l), which defines the shape of the orbital. The azimuthal quantum number has values ranging from 0 to n-1, giving rise to different orbital shapes such as s, p, d, and f orbitals.
The s orbital is spherical in shape, while the p orbitals are dumbbell-shaped with three orientations along the x, y, and z axes. The d orbitals are more complex in shape, with five possible orientations, and the f orbitals have seven possible orientations. These orbital shapes and orientations determine the different electron configurations and chemical behavior of atoms.
Electrons occupy atomic orbitals according to the Pauli exclusion principle and Hund's rule, which govern the filling of orbitals with electrons of opposite spins and the filling of degenerate orbitals with parallel spins, respectively.
In summary, atomic orbitals are the regions in which electrons exist around an atom's nucleus, and their specific shapes and orientations determine the characteristics and behavior of the elements.
Etymology of ATOMIC ORBITALS
The word "atomic" originates from the Latin word "atomus", which means "indivisible". It was coined in ancient Greek by the philosopher Democritus, who proposed that matter is composed of tiny, indivisible particles called atoms.
The term "orbitals" comes from the Latin word "orbita", which means "a track or path". In the context of atomic orbitals, it refers to the path or trajectory followed by an electron in an atom.
Therefore, when combined, "atomic orbitals" refers to the paths or regions where electrons are likely to be found within an atom.
