4.3 The quantum mechanical theory and the orbital

Quantum mechanical theory

The concept that the energy levels of an electron are quantized carries over into the quantum mechanical theory

An orbital

a region around the nucleus of an atom where theres a high probability of finding an electron

The orbital or set of orbitals

is specified with both a number and letter

The number is called the

Principal quantum number

Principal quantum number

N can take on values 1,2,3,4…., similar to n quantum number in the bohr model

Shell

as the value increases the outer perimeter is farther from the nuclues

As the value of n increases

energy increases

The letter indicates the

subshell

The Subshell of the orbital

specifies its shapes.

How many electrons does each orbital have the potential to hold?

two

Subshell s

One orbital, spherical

Subshell p

three orbitals, dumbell shaped

subshell d

five orbitals, clover leaf

Subshell f

seven orbital, complex multi lobed