An atomic orbital represents: O the region of electron density for a covalent bond O a fixed path that an electron follows around the nucleus of an atom the region of high probability for an electron to exist near the nucleus of an atom O the shape of an atom

Chemistry
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ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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**Understanding Atomic Orbitals**

**Question: An atomic orbital represents:**

**Options:**
1. the region of electron density for a covalent bond 
2. a fixed path that an electron follows around the nucleus of an atom
3. the region of high probability for an electron to exist near the nucleus of an atom
4. the shape of an atom

**Explanation:**

An atomic orbital is a crucial concept in chemistry and represents the region where there is a high probability of finding an electron. Electrons are not on fixed paths around the nucleus; instead, they reside in regions or "clouds" where they are most likely to be found. This quantum mechanical model is a more accurate description of electron behavior compared to earlier models that depicted electrons on fixed orbits.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

- **The region of high probability for an electron to exist near the nucleus of an atom.**
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding Atomic Orbitals** **Question: An atomic orbital represents:** **Options:** 1. the region of electron density for a covalent bond 2. a fixed path that an electron follows around the nucleus of an atom 3. the region of high probability for an electron to exist near the nucleus of an atom 4. the shape of an atom **Explanation:** An atomic orbital is a crucial concept in chemistry and represents the region where there is a high probability of finding an electron. Electrons are not on fixed paths around the nucleus; instead, they reside in regions or "clouds" where they are most likely to be found. This quantum mechanical model is a more accurate description of electron behavior compared to earlier models that depicted electrons on fixed orbits. Therefore, the correct answer is: - **The region of high probability for an electron to exist near the nucleus of an atom.**
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