Orbital — Science definition
A region within a sublevel that can hold a maximum of two electrons.
Where it is taught
- Electron Configuration — Atoms, Electrons & Periodicity, Physical Science: Chemistry, Grade 11
In use
The principal quantum number n labels shells and relates to orbital size and energy.
Electron Configuration
Questions using orbital
Problem 1
What is the maximum number of electrons a single orbital can hold?
- 8
- 1
- 2
- 6
Answer and explanation
2
By the Pauli exclusion principle, an orbital holds at most two electrons, and they must have opposite spins.
Taught alongside
- energy level (n)
- sublevel
- electron configuration
- Aufbau principle
- Pauli exclusion principle
- Hund's rule
- valence electrons