Which of the following best describes the difference between an orbit and an orbital in atomic theory?

• A. An orbit describes the energy level of an electron, while an orbital describes the charge of an electron.
• B. An orbit and an orbital both refer to the same concept in quantum mechanics.
• C. An orbit is a fixed circular path around the nucleus, while an orbital is a region of space where there is a high probability of finding an electron.
• D. An orbit is a region where electrons cannot be found, while an orbital is a region where electrons are forbidden.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the historical context of the terms. The term 'orbit' comes from the Bohr model of the atom, where electrons were thought to travel in fixed, circular paths around the nucleus, similar to planets orbiting the sun.
2. Step 2: Recognize that 'orbitals' arise from quantum mechanics, which replaced the Bohr model. Orbitals are not fixed paths but are mathematical functions that describe regions in space where there is a high probability of finding an electron.
3. Step 3: Note that an orbit is a simplified, classical concept implying a definite path, whereas an orbital is a probabilistic concept representing a cloud-like region around the nucleus.
4. Step 4: Clarify that orbitals are characterized by quantum numbers and shapes (such as s, p, d, f orbitals), which define the size, shape, and orientation of the electron cloud.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description differentiates the two by stating that an orbit is a fixed circular path, while an orbital is a region of space with a high probability of finding an electron.