s orbitals are spherical regions around an atom's nucleus where there is a high probability of finding electrons. They can hold a maximum of two electrons and are present in all energy levels.
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The probability distribution of an electron in an s orbital is uniform in all directions around the nucleus.
s orbitals are denoted by the principal quantum number (n) followed by 's', such as 1s, 2s, etc.
In each principal energy level, there is only one s orbital.
Review Questions
What is the shape of an s orbital?
How many electrons can an s orbital hold?
How does the probability distribution of an electron in an s orbital compare in different directions around the nucleus?
Related terms
p Orbitals: p orbitals are dumbbell-shaped regions around an atom's nucleus that can hold a maximum of six electrons across three orientations (px, py, pz).
Principal Quantum Number (n): \( n \) denotes the main energy level or shell of an electron within an atom and determines the size and energy of atomic orbitals.
Electron Configuration: The arrangement of electrons in the orbitals of an atom, typically denoted by notation such as \(1s^2\), \(2s^2\), etc.