Electron Spin and Orbital Energies

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts related to electron spin and orbital energies in atoms.

Electron Spin

A property of electrons where they behave like tiny bar magnets due to their spinning motion.

Electron Spin Quantum Number (ms)

A quantum number that describes the spin of an electron in an orbital, with possible values of + (↑) or – (↓).

Spin States

The two possible orientations of electron spin, represented by ↑ (upward arrow) and ↓ (downward arrow).

Paired Spins

When two electrons occupy the same orbital with opposite spins, represented as ↑↓.

Degenerate Orbitals

Orbitals that have the same energy, found in multi-electron atoms.

Effective Nuclear Charge (Zeff)

The net positive charge experienced by an individual electron in a multi-electron atom, reduced by electron-electron repulsions.

Stern-Gerlach Experiment

An experiment that provided evidence for electron spin by showing that silver atoms were deflected into two distinct paths in a magnetic field.

Unpaired Electron

An electron that is not paired with another electron in an orbital, influencing the magnetic properties of an atom.

Screening or Shielding

The phenomenon where inner electrons reduce the effective nuclear charge felt by outer electrons due to electron-electron repulsions.

Radial Probability Distribution

A plot that compares the probability of finding an electron at various distances from the nucleus, illustrating penetration of orbitals.