atomic orbitals
Electron probability regions
Atomic orbitals are regions around an atom's nucleus where electrons are most likely to be found.
Unlike planetary orbits, these aren't fixed paths but probability clouds with distinctive shapes—spherical (s), dumbbell-shaped (p), cloverleaf (d).
Each orbital holds at most two electrons.
The arrangement of electrons across orbitals determines an element's chemical behavior: The carbon atom's atomic orbitals allow it to form four bonds.
Globe-like in form
- dumbbellHandheld exercise weight
- lobesRounded projecting parts
- nodeConnection point in networks
- cloverleafLooped highway junction
toroidal · electron cloud · contour · symmetry · phase
Quantum state's mathematical representation
- Schrödinger equationGoverns quantum state evolution
- eigenstateOperator-invariant quantum state
- superpositionCoexisting in multiple states
- quantizationConversion to discrete values
energy levels · degeneracy · quantum state · normalization · observable · Planck
Stimulation of response
- emissionDischarged substance or act
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- photonElectromagnetic radiation unit
- wavelengthSpatial repetition interval
frequency · spectral lines · transition · selection rules · fluorescence · phosphorescence · ultraviolet · visible light
Mixing distinct genetic lines
- pi bondLateral electron density sharing
- overlapPartial coincidence of coverage
- covalent bondingShared-electron atomic linkage
- bond orderElectrons shared between atoms
Hard outer covering
- subshellOrbital subset within shell
- valence electronsOutermost electrons determining reactivity
- ground stateLowest possible energy configuration
- excited stateElevated energy configuration
spherical
Globe-like in form
cloverleaf · toroidal · electron cloud · contour · symmetry · phase
wavefunction
Quantum state's mathematical representation
- Schrödinger equationGoverns quantum state evolution
- eigenstateOperator-invariant quantum state
- superpositionCoexisting in multiple states
quantization · energy levels · degeneracy · quantum state · normalization · observable · Planck
excitation
Stimulation of response
- emissionDischarged substance or act
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- photonElectromagnetic radiation unit
wavelength · frequency · spectral lines · transition · selection rules · fluorescence · phosphorescence · ultraviolet · visible light · infrared
hybridization
Mixing distinct genetic lines
- pi bondLateral electron density sharing
- overlapPartial coincidence of coverage
- covalent bondingShared-electron atomic linkage
shell
Hard outer covering
- subshellOrbital subset within shell
- valence electronsOutermost electrons determining reactivity
- ground stateLowest possible energy configuration
- Chemical Theorymolecular theory, kinetic theory, quantum theory, ligand field theory, quantum chemistry
- Hartree-Fock
- Inorganic Chemistrytransition metals, periodic table, ligand field theory, alkali metals, noble gases
- band structureenergy gap, band width, dispersion relation
atomic orbitalsplanetary orbits
Curved paths around stars
solar system model · classical mechanics · Newtonian mechanics