Illusion that shell, subshell and orbitals are the same

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the misconception that shells, subshells, and orbitals are identical concepts in atomic theory. High school education often simplifies these terms due to the lack of mathematical foundations among students. The reference to the Schrödinger hydrogen atom solution highlights the complexity involved in understanding these concepts, especially in multi-electron atoms. This simplification is necessary for foundational learning but can lead to confusion in advanced studies.

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Why was I taught in high school that shell, subshells and orbitals were the same thing?
 
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avito009 said:
Why was I taught in high school that shell, subshells and orbitals were the same thing?

Because your high school teachers (almost certainly rightly) didn't think that you had the mathematical foundations needed to handle something like http://users.aber.ac.uk/ruw/teach/237/hatom.php (Picked pretty much at random, one of many thousands of explanations that you will find if you google for "Schrödinger hydrogen atom solution"), let alone the additional complications that arise in multi-electron atoms.
 
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