[Chemistry Class Notes] on Atomic Orbitals Pdf for Exam

What is an Atomic Orbital?

Atomic orbitals are mathematical functions that give knowledge into the wave nature of electrons (or sets of electrons) that exist around the cores of atoms. In the fields of quantum mechanics and atomic theory, these mathematical functions are frequently utilized to decide the likelihood of finding an electron (having a place with an atom) in a particular region around the nucleus of the atom. 

Note that the term ‘atomic orbital’ can likewise be utilized to allude to the physical space or physical region around an atom’s nucleus in which the likelihood of a particular electron being available is maximum. The presence of an electron in such a region is anticipated by the mathematical form of the atomic orbital. 

Note that the qualities of each atomic orbital are reliant upon the estimations of the following quantum numbers: 

1. The principal quantum number (noted by the symbol ‘n’) 

2. The azimuthal quantum number, otherwise called the orbital precise energy quantum number (signified by the symbol ‘l’) 

3. The magnetic quantum number (noted by the symbol ‘ml‘) 

Besides, it very well may be noticed that each atomic orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons. In totally involved atomic orbitals, for example, the atomic orbitals containing two electrons, every one of the electrons has an equal and opposite turn when contrasted with the other. 

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Different Atomic Orbitals and the Relationship Between Different Quantum Numbers which Describe Them 

The name of an atomic orbital is normally expressed as far as a combination of the primary quantum number (n) and the azimuthal quantum number (l). The straightforward names of the atomic orbitals and the comparing estimation of the azimuthal quantum number are given below. 

1. The s orbital, in which the estimation of the azimuthal quantum number equals to 0. 

2. The p orbital, in which the estimation of the azimuthal quantum number equals to 1. 

3. The d orbital, in which the estimation of the azimuthal quantum number equals to 2. 

4. The f orbital, in which the estimation of the azimuthal quantum number equals to 3. 

5. The g orbital, in which the estimation of the azimuthal quantum number equals to 4. 

6. The h orbital, in which the estimation of the azimuthal quantum number equals to 5. 

It very well may be noticed that the next atomic orbitals can be named one after another in order, precluding the letter ‘j’ (which is done in light of the fact that specific dialects don’t recognize the letters ‘j’ and ‘I’). Subsequently, when l=6, the name of the atomic orbital will be ‘I’ and when l=7, the name of the atomic orbital will be ‘k’.

When naming a particular atomic orbital, the estimation of the essential quantum number must be added as a prefix to the sequential description of the azimuthal quantum number. Note that the estimation of the azimuthal quantum number is subject to the estimation of the important quantum number. For some random estimation of ‘n’, the estimation of ‘l’ can range from zero to (n-1). For example, if the estimation of ‘n’ is equal to 3, the potential estimations of ‘l’, which range from zero to (3-1), are 0, 1, and 2. The names of these atomic orbitals would then be 3s for n=3, l=0; 3p for n=3, l=1; and 3d for n=3 and l=2. It can likewise be noticed that it isn’t feasible for the 3f orbital to exist since that would require the estimation of ‘n’ and ‘l’ both to be equal to 3, which is absurd since the estimation of the azimuthal quantum number should consistently be lower than that of the key quantum number.

Table of All the Possible Atomic Orbitals in Which the value of ‘n’ Ranges from 0 – 5