Atomic orbital
Orbitals are probability distributions, not little planetary paths around the nucleus. This topic is part of Chemistry within Science & Nature. This page currently draws on 4 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.
Atomic orbital trivia questions
In chemistry, an atomic orbital describes a region where what is likely to be found?
Answer: An electron
Bonus fact: Orbitals are probability distributions, not little planetary paths around the nucleus.
Which atomic orbital has a spherical shape in the simplest model?
Answer: s orbital
Bonus fact: Every principal energy level contains an s orbital, and s orbitals have no directional lobes.
A single atomic orbital can hold a maximum of how many electrons?
Answer: Two
Bonus fact: The two electrons in one orbital must have opposite spin states under the Pauli exclusion principle.
When two atomic orbitals combine constructively, what type of molecular orbital can form?
Answer: Bonding orbital
Bonus fact: Electrons in bonding orbitals generally stabilize the molecule by increasing electron density between nuclei.