what is atomic orbital
What is an atomic orbital?
Answer: An atomic orbital is a mathematical function that describes the wave-like behavior of an electron in an atom. In simpler terms, it is a region around the nucleus where there is a high probability of finding an electron. Atomic orbitals help us understand the possible locations of electrons in an atom. These orbitals come in different shapes, denoted by letters such as s, p, d, and f, and each shape has a specific orientation in space. Each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins, following the Pauli exclusion principle. The combination of these orbitals forms the electron cloud around an atom, providing a way to visualize and predict an electron’s behavior within an atom.