Multiple Choice
The region outside the nucleus where an electron can most probably be found is the:
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2. Atoms & Elements
The Atom
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
An orbital is defined as a region of the most probable location of which of the following?
A
a neutron
B
the nucleus
C
an electron
D
a proton
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of an orbital in atomic theory: An orbital is a region in space around the nucleus of an atom where there is a high probability of finding an electron.
Recall that neutrons and protons are located in the nucleus, which is a very small, dense center of the atom, not described by orbitals.
Recognize that the nucleus itself is not described by orbitals; orbitals specifically describe the behavior and probable locations of electrons.
Note that electrons are subatomic particles that move around the nucleus in regions called orbitals, which are solutions to the Schr\"odinger equation in quantum mechanics.
Therefore, the correct answer is that an orbital defines the region of the most probable location of an electron.
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