Shapes and

Orientations of
Orbitals
 Periodic table arrangement
s (n) d (n - 1) p (n)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
f (n -2)

the quantum theory helps to explain the

structure of the periodic table.
n - 1 indicates that the d subshell in period 4
actually starts at 3 (4 - 1 = 3).
 The location of electrons is described by:
n, l, ml

n = size, l = shape, ml = orientation

 Electron clouds
The probability of finding an electron
around a nucleus can be calculated.
Relative probability is indicated by a series
of dots, indicating the electron cloud.

90% electron probability/cloud

for 1s orbital (notice higher
probability toward the centre)
 p orbitals and d orbitals
p orbitals look like
a dumbell with 3
orientations: px,
py, pz (p sub z).
Four of the d orbitals resemble two dumbells in a
clover shape. The last d orbital resembles a p
orbital with a donut wrapped around the middle.
n l ml ms
1 0(s) 0 3d
E 4s
2 0(s) 0 N
1(p) -1, 0, 1 3p
E 3s
3 0(s) 0 R
2p
1(p) -1, 0, 1 G
2s
2(d) -2,-1, 0,1, 2 Y
1s
4 0(s) 0

Movie: periodic table of the elements: t10-20