McMurry (Kap.1,2)

Question 1

Which mathematical expression can describe how the electrons are distributed in an atom?

Answer 1

It is the wave -equation.

The solution to a wave equation is called a wave function/or orbital, and is denoted by the greek leter (psi).

When the square of the wave function is plotted in a 3D space, an orbital describes the volume of space around a nucleus that an electron is most likely to occupy (90-95% of the time).

Question 2

Hoe many kinds of orbitals are there?

Answer 2

4 kinds.

• s-orbitals
• p-orbitals
• d-orbitals
• f-orbitals.

Question 3

what does the s,p, and d orbital look like?

Answer 3

s is like a ball/sphere.

p is dumbbell shaped.

d is cloverleaf shaped.

Question 4

How many electrons can occupy one orbital?

Answer 4

maximum 2 electrons

Question 5

How many electrons can occupy:
s,p,d and f orbitals

Answer 5

s = 2 e-
p = 6 e-
d = 10 e-
p = 14 e-

s = 1 orbital
p = 3 orbitals
d = 5 orbitals
f = 7 orbitals

Question 6

what is a node?

Answer 6

A region of zero electron density (for example the area that separates the two lopes of an p orbital).

Question 7

The different algebraic signs for each lope in the p orbital is a part of the wave equation.

Why is it important which lobe have the (+) and (-) sign?

Answer 7

Because they have an important role with respect to chemical bonding and chemical reactivity.

Question 8

what is the sequence of the energy levels of atomic orbitals?

Answer 8

1s - 2s - 2p - 3s - 3p - 4s - 3d - 4p - 4d - 4f

Question 9

the three orbitals of a p orbital each go in a direction. Which directions?

Answer 9

x,y and z (oblique).