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Electronic Structure: Orbitals definitions

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  • Subshell
    A division within an electron shell, labeled s, p, d, or f, that determines the shape and orientation of orbitals.
  • Orbital
    A region within a subshell where up to two electrons are most likely to be found, defined by shell number and subshell letter.
  • s Subshell
    A subshell containing one spherical orbital, representing the simplest shape and orientation for electrons.
  • p Subshell
    A subshell containing three dumbbell-shaped orbitals, each oriented along a different axis in 3D space.
  • d Subshell
    A subshell containing five orbitals, four shaped like clovers and one like a dumbbell with a ring.
  • f Subshell
    A subshell containing seven orbitals with complex shapes, not required for detailed study in this course.
  • px Orbital
    A p-type orbital oriented along the x-axis in a three-dimensional coordinate system.
  • py Orbital
    A p-type orbital oriented along the y-axis in a three-dimensional coordinate system.
  • pz Orbital
    A p-type orbital oriented along the z-axis in a three-dimensional coordinate system.
  • Shell Number
    A numerical label indicating the main energy level of an electron, combined with subshell letter to specify an orbital.
  • Sublevel Letter
    A letter (s, p, d, f) indicating the type and shape of orbitals within a given electron shell.
  • Four-Leaf Clover Shape
    A visual representation of four d orbitals, each resembling a clover with four lobes.
  • Dumbbell Shape
    A visual representation of p orbitals, each resembling two connected ellipses or lobes.
  • Ringed Dumbbell
    A unique d orbital shape, resembling a dumbbell with a ring around its center.