Quantum Mechanics

Today in chemistry class we compared the bohr theory and the quantum theory. Mr. Doktor then taught us about electron configuration and the different orbitals. It was confusing but after doing a lot of examples it was clear and we understood what the it was about.


Bohr Theory
- The electron is a particle that must be in orbital in the atom.

Quantum Theory
- The electron is a cloud of negative charge or a wave function.
- Orbitals are areas in 3D space where the electrons most probably are.
- The energy of the electrons is in its vibrational modes- like notes on a guitar string.
- Photons are produced when high energy modes change to lower energy modes.

S Orbitals

- Each orbital holds 2 electrons

P Orbitals

- There are 3 suborbitals
- Each contains 2 electrons
- Total electrons = 6

D Orbitals

- There are 5 suborbitals
- Each contains 2 electrons
- Total electrons = 10

F Orbitals

- There are 7 suborbitals
- Each contains 2 electrons
- Total electrons = 14