S Orbital

Definition

The s orbital is one of the fundamental atomic orbitals in quantum mechanics, representing the spherical electron distribution around the nucleus of an atom. The s orbital is the simplest and most symmetric of the atomic orbitals, and it plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of electrons in atoms, particularly in the context of quantum numbers and the Pauli exclusion principle.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The s orbital is characterized by a principal quantum number (n) of 1, which corresponds to the first energy level of an atom.
2. The s orbital has a spherical shape, with an angular momentum quantum number (l) of 0, indicating that the orbital has no angular momentum.
3. The magnetic quantum number (m) for the s orbital is always 0, meaning that the electron in the s orbital has no magnetic moment.
4. The s orbital can only hold a maximum of 2 electrons, due to the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of quantum numbers.
5. The s orbital is the most stable and lowest-energy orbital in an atom, and it is the first orbital to be filled as electrons are added to an atom.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between the s orbital and the principal quantum number (n).
  • The s orbital is characterized by a principal quantum number (n) of 1, which corresponds to the first energy level of an atom. This means that the s orbital is the lowest-energy orbital in an atom, and it is the first orbital to be filled as electrons are added to the atom. The principal quantum number (n) determines the overall size and energy of the orbital, with higher values of n corresponding to larger and higher-energy orbitals.
• Describe how the Pauli exclusion principle applies to the s orbital.
  • The Pauli exclusion principle states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of quantum numbers. In the case of the s orbital, this means that the s orbital can only hold a maximum of 2 electrons, as each electron must occupy a unique state within the orbital. The s orbital has a magnetic quantum number (m) of 0, and an angular momentum quantum number (l) of 0, which means that the two electrons in the s orbital must have opposite spin quantum numbers (s) of +1/2 and -1/2 to satisfy the Pauli exclusion principle.
• Analyze the role of the s orbital in the context of atomic structure and electron configuration.
  • The s orbital plays a fundamental role in the structure and behavior of atoms. As the lowest-energy orbital, the s orbital is the first to be filled as electrons are added to an atom. The filling of the s orbital follows a specific pattern, with the 1s orbital being filled first, followed by the 2s, 3s, and so on. This electron configuration, governed by the Pauli exclusion principle, determines the chemical and physical properties of an atom, including its reactivity, bonding behavior, and overall stability. Understanding the s orbital and its relationship to the quantum numbers and the Pauli exclusion principle is crucial for understanding the underlying principles of atomic structure and the behavior of electrons in atoms.

Related terms

Quantum Numbers: Quantum numbers are a set of discrete values that describe the state of an electron within an atom, including its energy level, angular momentum, and magnetic moment.

Pauli Exclusion Principle: The Pauli exclusion principle states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of quantum numbers, which means that each electron must occupy a unique state within the atom.

Atomic Orbitals: Atomic orbitals are mathematical functions that describe the wave-like behavior of an electron in an atom. They are the solutions to the Schrödinger equation for an electron in an atom.