Warm-Up Activity: Orbital Shapes ***For Students***
- Due No due date
- Points 2.5
- Questions 4
- Time Limit None
Instructions
This activity prepares you for the actual active learning activity in class. This activity typically takes about 30 minutes, but no time limit is imposed. You will utilize Orbital Explorer to complete this activity, and you are recommended to open the web page in a new tab. This assignment is due before class.
Context
Quantum numbers are used to describe electrons in atoms. There are four quantum numbers:
n – principal quantum number. n=1,2,3…
l – orbital angular quantum number. l=0,1,2,…n-1
m – magnetic quantum number. m=-l, -(l-1), … 0, … l-1, l
s – spin quantum number. s = ½, -½
The current activity concerns the n and l quantum numbers, and how they determine the size and shape of atomic orbitals. Closely related to this is the concept of a nodal surface.