Understanding Electron Shells: Defined by Principal Quantum Number

In summary: No, but for instance, if one looks at the radial density distribution, the 2s orbital has its maximum farther out than the 2p orbital. 3d is farther in than 3p, but on the other hand, 3d is a lot more diffuse. (1s, 2p, 3d, 4f have no radial nodes and are therefore more diffuse).
  • #1
ldv1452
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0
What would be the best way to define electron shell? I know that it is identified by the principal quantum number, but not sure how to clearly define it.
 
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  • #2
ldv1452 said:
What would be the best way to define electron shell? I know that it is identified by the principal quantum number, but not sure how to clearly define it.

It essentially represents the energy level of an electron IIRC.

CS
 
  • #3
stewartcs said:
It essentially represents the energy level of an electron IIRC.

CS

Are electrons in the same shell all roughly the same distance from the nucleus then?
 
  • #4
ldv1452 said:
Are electrons in the same shell all roughly the same distance from the nucleus then?

Not really; because the different orbitals have such quite different geometries. If you compare s-orbitals with s-orbitals or p-orbitals with p-orbitals their distance from the nucleus increases as the shell does.
 
  • #5
alxm said:
Not really; because the different orbitals have such quite different geometries. If you compare s-orbitals with s-orbitals or p-orbitals with p-orbitals their distance from the nucleus increases as the shell does.

So is that saying that if you compare s-orbitals with p-orbitals that may not hold true? For example, could you have an electron in a p-orbital of the 2nd shell with a higher energy level and/or further distance from the nucleus than that of an electron in the s-orbital of the 3rd shell?
 
  • #6
ldv1452 said:
So is that saying that if you compare s-orbitals with p-orbitals that may not hold true? For example, could you have an electron in a p-orbital of the 2nd shell with a higher energy level and/or further distance from the nucleus than that of an electron in the s-orbital of the 3rd shell?

No, but for instance, if one looks at the radial density distribution, the 2s orbital has its maximum farther out than the 2p orbital. 3d is farther in than 3p, but on the other hand, 3d is a lot more diffuse. (1s, 2p, 3d, 4f have no radial nodes and are therefore more diffuse).
 

What is the definition of principal quantum number?

The principal quantum number, denoted by the symbol "n", is a quantum number that describes the energy level or shell of an electron in an atom. It ranges from 1 to infinity, with higher values indicating higher energy levels.

How do electron shells relate to the periodic table?

The number of electron shells an atom has corresponds to its position on the periodic table. For example, atoms in the first row (on the far left) have one electron shell, while atoms in the second row have two electron shells, and so on.

What is the maximum number of electrons in each shell?

The maximum number of electrons in a shell is given by the formula 2n^2, where n is the principal quantum number. For example, the first shell (n=1) can hold a maximum of 2 electrons (2 x 1^2), while the third shell (n=3) can hold a maximum of 18 electrons (2 x 3^2).

How does the principal quantum number affect the energy of an electron?

The higher the principal quantum number, the higher the energy of the electron. This is because electrons in higher energy levels are farther away from the nucleus and experience less attraction, making them easier to remove or excite.

What is the significance of electron shells for chemical bonding?

The number of electrons in the outermost shell, or valence shell, of an atom determines its chemical properties and how it bonds with other atoms. Atoms with a full outer shell (8 electrons) tend to be stable and do not readily form bonds, while atoms with incomplete outer shells tend to form bonds in order to achieve a full outer shell.

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