orbitals
Atomic electron regions
Orbitals are regions around an atomic nucleus where electrons are likely to be found.
In chemistry and physics, the term describes mathematical functions that map probability distributions rather than fixed paths—electrons don't orbit like planets despite the name.
Different orbital shapes (s, p, d, f) determine how atoms bond: The molecule's structure depends on how the orbitals overlap.
The plural dominates; singular orbital usually appears as an adjective: orbital mechanics, orbital velocity.
Protective outer layers
- subshellsOrbital groupings within shells
- valenceCombining power measure
- valence electronsOutermost electrons determining reactivity
- shieldingProtecting from harm
Quantum state's mathematical representation
- electron cloudProbable electron location zone
- angular momentumRotational motion quantity
- spinRapid rotation around axis
- Schrodinger equationQuantum state evolution law
node · psi · quantization · Heisenberg uncertainty principle · ground state · excited state · superposition · eigenstate
Forming close connections
- pi bondLateral electron density sharing
- hybridizationMixing distinct genetic lines
- bond orderElectrons shared between atoms
- delocalizedSpread over an area
Path of moving object
- ellipticalOval-shaped or indirect
- circularForming a closed curve
- geostationaryFixed above one point
- KeplerPlanetary motion law formulator
Hohmann transfer · aphelion · perihelion · apogee · perigee · inclination · eccentricity · satellite
shells
Protective outer layers
- subshellsOrbital groupings within shells
- valenceCombining power measure
- valence electronsOutermost electrons determining reactivity
wavefunction
Quantum state's mathematical representation
- electron cloudProbable electron location zone
- angular momentumRotational motion quantity
- spinRapid rotation around axis
Schrodinger equation · node · psi · quantization · Heisenberg uncertainty principle · ground state · excited state · superposition · eigenstate · quantum mechanics
bonding
Forming close connections
- pi bondLateral electron density sharing
- hybridizationMixing distinct genetic lines
- bond orderElectrons shared between atoms
delocalized · conjugation · resonance · overlap · tetrahedral
trajectory
Path of moving object
- ellipticalOval-shaped or indirect
- circularForming a closed curve
- geostationaryFixed above one point
Kepler · Hohmann transfer · aphelion · perihelion · apogee · perigee · inclination · eccentricity · satellite · spacecraft
- atomic physicsatom, atoms, atomic nucleus, electron, atomic number
- chemistryatom, atoms, organic chemistry, molecule, chemistry
- chemical bondingcovalent bonds, ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, double bonds, single bonds
- element propertiesatomic number, atomic mass, atomic weight, symbol, electronegativity
orbitalsnucleus
Central controlling part
nuclei · atomic nucleus · protons · neutrons
- orbital tiltAngle of rotational axis
- orbital sanderPower tool spinning abrasive
- orbital pathCurved route around something
- orbital velocitySpeed maintaining circular path
- orbital launchPropelling craft into orbit
- orbital flightPath circling a celestial body