An electron orbital is a region of space around the nucleus of an atom where an electron is most likely to be found. Orbitals are not well-defined paths. They represent regions of space where the probability of finding an electron is high.
- The arrangement of electrons in shells and orbitals around the nucleus of an atom is governed by the Pauli exclusion principle. The Pauli exclusion principle applies to electrons, protons, neutrons, (and neutrinos). It ensures that no two electrons can occupy the same quantum state simultaneously, leading to the formation of distinct shells and sublevels within each shell, known as orbitals.
- The Pauli exclusion principle states that within an atom, each electron occupies a unique quantum state defined by its four quantum numbers: the principal quantum number (n), the azimuthal quantum number (l), the magnetic quantum number (m_l), and the spin quantum number (s).
- Four quantum numbers together describe the quantum state of an electron and govern its specific orbital position.
-
- Principal quantum number (n)
- Azimuthal quantum number (l)
- Magnetic quantum number (m)
- Spin quantum number (s)
-