2.2.1 Shells and Orbitals Flashcards
What does the principal quantum number, n, indicate?
The shell that the electrons occupy.
What does a larger value of n indicate?
The shell is further from the nucleus and has a higher energy level.
How many electrons are in shell 1?
2
How many electrons are in shell 2?
8
How many electrons are in shell 3?
18
How many electrons are in shell 4?
32
What is an orbital?
A region of space where electrons may be found. Each atomic orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins.
What shape does an s-orbital have?
Spherical
How many s-orbitals are there in each shell?
1
What shape does a p-orbital have?
A three-dimensional dumb-bell shape.
How many p-orbitals are there in each shell?
From n=2 upwards, each shell contains 3 p-orbitals, px, py and pz at right angles to one another.
How many d-orbitals are there in each shell?
From n=3 upwards, each shell contains 5 d-orbitals.
How many f-orbitals are there in each shell?
From n=4 upwards, each shell contains seven f-orbitals.
Why are two negatively charged electrons able to exist in the same orbital?
The two electrons must have opposite spin.
