Degenerate orbitals

Definition

Degenerate orbitals are orbitals within the same subshell that have the same energy level. In a given atom, electrons in degenerate orbitals are equally likely to occupy any of these orbitals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. They are typically found in p, d, and f subshells where multiple orbitals exist with the same energy.
2. In the absence of an external field, all three p-orbitals (px, py, pz) in a given shell are degenerate.
3. Electron repulsion and external fields can lift the degeneracy of these orbitals.
4. In molecular orbital theory, degenerate bonding and antibonding molecular orbitals can form from atomic orbitals with similar energies.
5. The concept of degenerate orbitals is crucial for understanding electron configuration and chemical bonding.

Review Questions

• What are degenerate orbitals?
• How does the presence of an external field affect degenerate orbitals?
• Why are degenerate orbitals important in molecular orbital theory?

Related terms

Electron Configuration: The distribution of electrons in an atom's or molecule's atomic or molecular orbitals.

Molecular Orbital: A region in a molecule where there is a high probability of finding an electron; formed by the overlap of atomic orbitals.

Pauli Exclusion Principle: A quantum mechanical principle which states that two or more identical fermions (particles with half-integer spin) cannot occupy the same quantum state within a quantum system simultaneously.