Question

Comparing atomic orbitals in terms of their energy. Explain this in details.

Answer 1

• Atomic orbitals are mathematical functions that provide insight into the wave nature of electrons (or pairs of electrons) that exist around the nuclei of atoms.
• The principal quantum number is denoted by 'n'.
• The azimuthal quantum number is denoted by 'l'.
• The sum of the principal and azimuthal quantum number (n + l) determines the energy of the orbitals.
• Higher the (n + l) value of the orbital, the larger the energy of the orbital.
• If the orbitals have the same (n + l) value, then the orbital with a higher ‘n’ value, has the higher energy.