Atomic Orbitals By Robey

An atomic orbital is a mathematical function that describes the wave-like behavior of either one electron or a pair of electrons in an atom. This function can be used to calculate the probability of find any electron of an atom in any specific region around the atom’s nucleus. The atomic orbitals can have many different shapes. Each different shape is proof that there are different types of atomic orbitals.

            The different shape of the atomic orbitals mean they are made up of different levels of electrons. Inside the different levels there are different orbitals. In the first part there are p orbitals. For example if we have a beginning of n=2 shell, then each shell has three p orbitals. Because of the different values of M, there will be three 2p orbitals, three 3p orbitals and so forth (depending on the value of M). These different levels of orbitals form a dumbbell shape all around the origin.

            Why does the orbitals make a dumbbell shape instead of something like a circle?

            Along with the p and s orbitals, there are d and f orbitals. When M=3 there will be five 3d orbitals, five 4d orbitals and etc because each shell has five possible values for the M numbers. Depending on the d orbital, will change the shape of the “dumbbell” (orbital cloud). A d-orbital of four shows a “four leaf clover” shape of the dumbbell, with each of the leaves laying on the planes of the axis.

            I personally think the most interesting thing of the orbitals is the shape that they take. Instead of just rotating around a center point, they for more of an ellipse shape forming a dumbbell (seen in the photo above). They form this shape because of the higher energy and various wave lengths that they have. Only a s orbital has a spherical shape and that is because they do not have nearly as high of an energy as the other orbitals.

            The p orbitals form a shape almost like a rounded bow tie. It is two of the dumbbell shapes connected by their smallest ends at the origin of the axis. They only have enough energy to make that single shape, and there is only two of them so only two shapes are formed. The d orbitals make a rounded four leaf clover shape. There are four orbitals, making four shapes that connect in the origin of the axis.

            What is the difference in energy levels in the orbitals?

           

Orbitals were originally discovered by Niels Bohr in 1904. The orbitals were then used to make the basic atomic orbital model to give a visual representation that scientists can look at without having to use the extremely powerful microscopes. This model was also used for a visual representation of an electron cloud of an atom with multiple electrons inside of it.