Energy Levels, Sublevels, and Orbitals

Summary

This video explains the concept of atomic energy levels, electron shells, and subshells. It covers how energy levels, designated by the number 'n,' are organized in an atom, starting from the first energy level (n=1) and extending to higher levels. Each energy level has subshells (s, p, d, f, g), which vary in shape and electron capacity. The script also explores how electrons are distributed across orbitals within subshells, and how the number of electrons per energy level increases with each level. The maximum electron capacity of each energy level is also discussed in detail.

Takeaways

• 😀 Atoms have different energy levels, represented by the symbol 'n'. These levels are also called electron shells or principal quantum levels.
• 😀 The energy levels are designated by numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.), where each level can hold a specific maximum number of electrons.
• 😀 As energy levels increase, their capacity to hold electrons also increases. The first energy level can hold 2 electrons, the second 8, and so on.
• 😀 Sublevels (or subshells) are found within each energy level, denoted by the letters s, p, d, f, and g.
• 😀 The first energy level has only 1 sublevel (s), while the second level has 2 sublevels (s, p), and this pattern continues for higher energy levels.
• 😀 Each sublevel corresponds to one or more orbitals. For example, the s sublevel has 1 orbital, p has 3 orbitals, d has 5 orbitals, f has 7 orbitals, and g has 9 orbitals.
• 😀 Orbitals represent regions of space where electrons are likely to be found, and each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons with opposite spins.
• 😀 The maximum number of electrons in each sublevel are: 2 for s, 6 for p, 10 for d, 14 for f, and 18 for g.
• 😀 The electron configuration within an atom is written by combining the energy level number and the sublevel letter (e.g., 1s, 2s, 2p, etc.).
• 😀 The maximum number of electrons in each energy level is calculated by adding the electrons in each of its sublevels. For example, the 2nd energy level has a total of 8 electrons (2 from s, 6 from p).
• 😀 As you move to higher energy levels, the number of electrons that can be accommodated increases, reaching up to 50 electrons in the 5th energy level (2 + 6 + 10 + 14 + 18).

Q & A

What are energy levels in an atom?

Energy levels in an atom are regions where electrons are likely to be found. They are denoted by the symbol 'n' (n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ...), and each energy level can hold a specific maximum number of electrons. As the energy level increases, its capacity for electrons also increases.

How are energy levels labeled?

Energy levels are labeled using integers starting from 1, 2, 3, and so on. Each energy level corresponds to a specific distance from the nucleus, with higher numbers representing greater distances and higher energy.

What are sublevels or subshells in atomic structure?

Sublevels (or subshells) are divisions within each energy level where electrons are found. These sublevels are labeled as 's', 'p', 'd', 'f', and in higher levels, 'g'. Each sublevel has a distinct shape and orientation.

What is the significance of the letters 's', 'p', 'd', 'f', and 'g' in atomic structure?

's', 'p', 'd', 'f', and 'g' are labels for the types of sublevels within each energy level. These letters represent different shapes and orientations of orbitals where electrons are most likely to be found.

What sublevels are present in each energy level?

In the 1st energy level, there is only the 's' sublevel. The 2nd level has 's' and 'p', the 3rd has 's', 'p', and 'd', the 4th has 's', 'p', 'd', and 'f', and the 5th includes 's', 'p', 'd', 'f', and 'g'.

How are the sublevels named in relation to their energy levels?

The energy level number precedes the sublevel letter. For example, in the first energy level, the sublevel is written as '1s', in the second energy level as '2s', '2p', and so on.

What are orbitals and how are they related to sublevels?

Orbitals are specific regions in space within each sublevel where electrons are most likely to be found. Each sublevel contains one or more orbitals: 's' has 1 orbital, 'p' has 3, 'd' has 5, 'f' has 7, and 'g' has 9 orbitals.

How many electrons can each orbital hold?

Each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, which spin in opposite directions (one clockwise and one counterclockwise).

What is the maximum number of electrons in each sublevel?

The maximum number of electrons in each sublevel is: 2 for 's', 6 for 'p', 10 for 'd', 14 for 'f', and 18 for 'g'.

What is the total number of electrons that can be present in each energy level?

The total number of electrons in each energy level is the sum of the electrons in all its sublevels. For example, the 1st energy level can hold 2 electrons, the 2nd level can hold 8, the 3rd can hold 18, the 4th can hold 32, and the 5th can hold 50 electrons.