What are atomic orbitals?
Q: What are atomic orbitals?
A: Atomic orbitals are the areas surrounding the nucleus of an atom where electrons are most likely to be found.
Q: What is the mathematical function that describes the behavior of electrons in an atom?
A: The mathematical function that describes the behavior of electrons in an atom is a wave-like function.
Q: Why is the word 'orbital' used?
A: The word 'orbital' is used to describe the areas surrounding the nucleus where electrons are most likely to be found because it was once believed that electrons behaved like planets orbiting the sun.
Q: How is the number of atomic orbitals in an element defined?
A: The number of atomic orbitals in an element is defined by the period of the element.
Q: Why do electrons move between orbitals?
A: Electrons move between orbitals depending on their speed and the number of other electrons present.
Q: What is an atomic orbital in atomic theory and quantum mechanics?
A: An atomic orbital is a quantum number in atomic theory and quantum mechanics.
Q: How many electrons can each atomic orbital be occupied by?
A: Each atomic orbital can be occupied by one or two electrons.
