Chapter 11.3, Problem 1RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Differences between an orbit and orbital are to be stated.

Concept Introduction:Orbits and orbitals describe the one and three-dimensional movement of electrons around an atom respectively.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

• An orbit is a planar route for the motion of electron around the atom while the orbital represents the three-dimensional space for the movement of an electron of a particular energy level.
• Orbits are planar and cannot describe the shape of an atom but orbitals have particular direction so they can describe the shape of an atom.
• Motion of electron in orbit is against the Heisenberg principle but the motion of electron in an orbital agrees with Heisenberg principle.
• Motion of electron in an orbit is defined circular motion while in orbitals motion of the electron is three dimensional and somewhat random.

Explanation of Solution

Orbits are a concept of the Bohr model of atom while the concept of orbital was conceived from the quantum mechanical model of atom which gives rise to the above differences between the two.