Main energy levels (n) are split into sub-levels (s, p, d, f). Each sub-level contains orbitals, which are regions of space where there is a 90% probability of finding an electron.
s
s-orbitals
Spherical Shape
- Found in all levels (n=1+).
- 1 orbital per sublevel.
- Max 2 electrons.
p
p-orbitals
Dumbbell Shape
- Found in n=2 onwards.
- 3 orbitals per sublevel (\(p_x, p_y, p_z\)).
- Max 6 electrons.
Total Sublevel Capacities
s-sublevel2 e⁻
p-sublevel6 e⁻
d-sublevel10 e⁻
f-sublevel14 e⁻
s-orbital
Spherical symmetry
p-orbital
Dumbbell shape (px, py, pz)
Student Practice Set
1.
How many atomic orbitals are found in the n=3 main energy level?