81.4k views
2 votes
Explain the differences among "s," "p," "d", and "f," electron orbitals

User RicoZ
by
5.5k points

1 Answer

12 votes

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

The Electronic Configuration of the elements is the arrangement of all electrons of an element in energy levels and sub-levels (orbitals).

There are 7 energy levels, numbered from 1 to 7, and in which electrons are distributed, logically in order according to their energy level. Electrons with less energy will be spinning at level 1. Each level is divided into sub-levels. These sub-levels into which each level is divided can be up to 4. These 4 sub-levels are called: s, p, d, f. In the sub-level s there can only be a maximum of 2 electrons, in p there can be a maximum of 6 electrons, in the sub-level d 10 electrons and finally in the sub-level f there can be a maximum of 14 electrons.

In other words, the difference between the sub-levels consists of the number of electrons that it can hold at each level. In each sublevel there are a certain number of orbitals [1 orbital describes the rotation of a maximum of two electrons around the nucleus] that can contain a maximum of 2 electrons each. In this way, the maximum number of electrons that each sublevel admits is: 2 in the s; 6 in the p (2 electrons x 3 orbitals); 10 in the d (2 electrons x 5 orbitals); 14 in the f (2 electrons x 7 orbitals).

User Alex Zen
by
5.0k points