Chemistry / Unit 5 Chem 0818 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Orbital
Captions available
The idea
An orbital is a three-dimensional probability region describing where an electron is likely found, defined by a Schrödinger equation solution.
In practice
An electron's 1s orbital is drawn as a fuzzy sphere marking where that electron is likely found, not a sharp boundary.
Where people slip
"Orbital" names a probability region with no defined edge or path — it is not a synonym for "orbit."
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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