How do electron orbitals work?

Can you explain how electron orbitals work?

Sure! Electron orbitals are regions around an atom's nucleus where electrons are likely to be found. They have different shapes and energy levels.

What are the different types of orbitals?

There are four main types of orbitals: s, p, d, and f. Each type has a unique shape and can hold a specific number of electrons.

How do these orbitals affect chemical bonding?

Orbitals determine how atoms bond with each other. The arrangement of electrons in these orbitals influences the type of bonds formed.

Can you give an example of how orbitals are filled?

Certainly! In the case of carbon, its 1s orbital fills first, followed by the 2s, and then the 2p orbitals, following the Aufbau principle.

What happens when orbitals overlap?

When orbitals overlap, they can form bonds between atoms, such as covalent bonds, where electrons are shared.