Basics

atomic orbital

psi

3D representation of the probability of finding an electron within a given volume of space

probability

psi squared

Schrodinger equation

equation whose solutions are the wave functions aka atomic orbitals

quantum numbers

n, l, ml, ms

n

principal quantum number

determine the size and energy level

called a shell

l

angular momentum quantum number

determines the shape of the orbital

ml

magnetic quantum number

determining the spatial orientation aka alignment with the axes of the orbital

ms

spin quantum number

increases

size/atomic radius ___ when going down a group of the periodic table

because electrons are added further from the nucleus, there is less attraction between the electrons

decreases

size/atomic radius ___ when going across a period of the periodic table

increases

As the value of n increases, the energy ___ and the average distance from the nucleus ___