atomic orbital
English
editNoun
editatomic orbital (plural atomic orbitals)
- (quantum mechanics, physical chemistry) A mathematical function that describes the wave-like behavior of either one electron or a pair of electrons in an atom. This function can be used to calculate the probability of finding any electron of an atom in any specific region around the atom's nucleus.
- The physical region or space where an electron can be calculated to be present, as defined by the particular mathematical form of the orbital.
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