Physical chemistry
Atomic structure
From the Bohr model to quantum orbitals, quantum numbers and electron configurations explain periodicity.
The Bohr model gives discrete energy levels for hydrogen; quantum mechanics replaces definite orbits with wavefunctions and probabilities.
Quantization and orbitals
From the Bohr model to quantum orbitals, quantum numbers and electron configurations explain periodicity.
Definition: Core definition
An orbital is a one-electron spatial state described by a wavefunction; |ψ|² is probability density.
Example: Worked example
Apply the model to a simple case: For n=2 there are 2s (l=0) and 2p (l=1); p has three m_l values and holds at most six electrons.
Solution
For n=2 there are 2s (l=0) and 2p (l=1); p has three m_l values and holds at most six electrons.
An orbital is a one-electron spatial state described by a wavefunction; |ψ|² is probability density.
| Quantity | Model / rule |
|---|---|
| Key relation | From the Bohr model to quantum orbitals, quantum numbers and electron configurations explain periodicity. |
| Meaning / use | For n=2 there are 2s (l=0) and 2p (l=1); p has three m_l values and holds at most six electrons. |
Which quantum number specifies an electron shell and its characteristic size?
Which statement best matches the model described?
References
- H. Haken and H. C. Wolf (2005). Atomic Physics