what is atomic orbital?
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Answer:
Atomic orbitals are mathematical functions that provide insight into the wave nature of electrons (or pairs of electrons) that exist around the nuclei of atoms. In the fields of quantum mechanics and atomic theory, these mathematical functions are often employed in order to determine the probability of finding an electron (belonging to an atom) in a specific region around the nucleus of the atom.
It is important to note that the term ‘atomic orbital’ can also be used to refer to the physical space or physical region around an atom’s nucleus in which the probability of a specific electron being present is maximum. The presence of an electron in such a region is predicted by the mathematical form of the atomic orbital.
It is important to note that the characteristics of each atomic orbital are dependent upon the values of the following quantum numbers:
The principal quantum number (denoted by the symbol ‘n’)
The azimuthal quantum number, also known as the orbital angular momentum quantum number (denoted by the symbol ‘l’)
The magnetic quantum number (denoted by the symbol ‘ml’)
Furthermore, it can be noted that each atomic orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons. In completely occupied atomic orbitals, i.e. the atomic orbitals containing two electrons, each of the electrons has an equal and opposite spin when compared to the other. Insight into the electron spin is provided by the value of the spin quantum number, which is denoted by the symbol ‘ms’. Thus, insight into any electron residing in any atomic orbital in a given atom can be obtained by determining the values of the four quantum numbers that describe it, namely the principal quantum number, the azimuthal quantum number, the magnetic quantum number, and the electron spin quantum number.