1-5
Chemistry
121, Winter 2008, LA Tech
Atomic Orbitals
s orbital - a spherical-shaped atomic orbital; can hold a maximum of 2 electrons
p orbital - a dumbbell-shaped atomic orbital; the three p orbitals (px, py, pz) can hold a maximum of 2 electrons each
Electrons always fill starting with the lowest-energy orbital:
lower
energy higher energy
1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6
We
will be concerned with only the valence electrons which are the outermost electrons involved in forming bonds.