S Orbital

Definition

An s orbital is a type of atomic orbital that has a spherical shape and represents the lowest energy level or shell in an atom. It is the simplest and most fundamental of the atomic orbitals and is designated by the quantum number n = 1, with a total angular momentum quantum number l = 0.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The s orbital has a spherical shape, meaning the electron density is evenly distributed in all directions around the nucleus.
2. The s orbital is the only orbital that has no angular momentum (l = 0), making it the simplest and most stable of the atomic orbitals.
3. The s orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, as dictated by the Pauli exclusion principle.
4. The 1s orbital is the lowest energy level in an atom and is filled first as electrons are added to the atom.
5. The s orbitals are labeled with the principal quantum number (n), such as 1s, 2s, 3s, etc., where the number represents the energy level of the orbital.

Review Questions

• Explain the key characteristics of the s orbital and how it differs from other atomic orbitals.
  • The s orbital is the simplest and most fundamental of the atomic orbitals, with a spherical shape and no angular momentum (l = 0). It represents the lowest energy level or shell in an atom, designated by the principal quantum number n = 1. The s orbital is the only orbital that has a completely symmetric electron density distribution around the nucleus, in contrast to the more complex shapes of p, d, and f orbitals. This unique property of the s orbital makes it the most stable and first to be filled as electrons are added to an atom.
• Describe the relationship between the s orbital and the electron configuration of an atom.
  • The s orbital plays a crucial role in determining the electron configuration of an atom. As the lowest energy level, the 1s orbital is filled first as electrons are added to the atom. Once the 1s orbital is full, the 2s orbital becomes the next available energy level, followed by the 3s, 4s, and so on. The filling of the s orbitals follows the Aufbau principle, which states that electrons occupy the available orbitals in order of increasing energy. Understanding the properties of the s orbital and its position in the electron configuration is essential for predicting the behavior and reactivity of atoms.
• Analyze the significance of the s orbital in the context of atomic structure and the development of quantum mechanics.
  • The s orbital is a fundamental concept in the study of atomic structure and the development of quantum mechanics. As the simplest and most stable of the atomic orbitals, the s orbital provided the foundation for the early models of the atom, such as the Bohr model. The discovery of the s orbital and its unique spherical shape was a crucial step in the evolution of our understanding of the quantum mechanical nature of electrons and their behavior within atoms. The s orbital's role in defining the electron configuration and the Pauli exclusion principle further solidified its importance in the field of quantum mechanics, which continues to shape our understanding of the structure and properties of matter at the atomic and subatomic levels.

Related terms

Atomic Orbital: An atomic orbital is a mathematical function that describes the wave-like behavior of an electron in an atom. It defines the region of space where the electron is likely to be found.

Quantum Numbers: Quantum numbers are a set of integers that uniquely define the state of an electron within an atom. The principal quantum number (n), angular momentum quantum number (l), and magnetic quantum number (m) are used to describe atomic orbitals.

Electron Configuration: Electron configuration is the distribution of electrons of an atom or molecule in its ground state among the available quantum states.