Characteristics of Orbits
- Orbits are quantized means there are an infinite number of orbits around the nucleus but electrons are only present in that orbits in which their angular momentum is an integral multiple of h/2π.
- Formula : mvr = nh/2π
- where, n = no. of orbits
- h = plank’s constant = 6.626*10-34 joule-seconds
2. While revolving around the nucleus electrons neither lose nor gain energy therefore these orbitals are also called stationary orbits.
3. Electrons can easily move from one orbit to another by absorbing or releasing energy equal to the energy difference b/w the two energy levels.
4. The arrangement of electrons in orbits determines the chemical behavior and reactivity of the atom.
5. The different numbers of electrons in orbits decide the position of the element in the periodic table.
Difference Between Orbit And Orbitals
In chemistry, the terms orbit and orbital are frequently used, and this leads to confusion because we mistakenly think they both refer to the same thing. But hold on, do they similar to each other or do they differ in any way?
In order to understand the behavior of atoms at the molecular level it is important to have the correct understanding of the terms orbit and orbitals.
If we talk about an orbit, it is the circular or elliptical path followed by the electrons around the nucleus. These orbits have different energies and angular momentum. It plays a key role in writing the electronic configuration of atoms which affects many physical and chemical properties like shape, size, electronegativity, electron affinity, and chemical reactivity of an atom.
On the other hand, if we talk about Orbitals they are defined as the 3-Dimensional regions around the nucleus where. there is a high chance of finding an electron. These orbitals defined the shape, size, and orientation of the electron cloud and orbitals around the nucleus. These orbitals are characterized by a set of four quantum numbers defined in quantum chemistry. The overlapping of these orbitals with each other leads to the formation of various chemical bonds and help us in understanding various molecular orbital theory.
Thus, both orbit and orbital talk about the region and movement of electrons around the nucleus yet they have different terms and affect different properties. So let’s find out these terms in detail, their characteristics, and the differences between them in the article below.
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