Multiple Choice
In the electronic structure of atoms, how many distinct orbitals exist in the subshell?
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9. Electrons in Atoms and the Periodic Table
Electronic Structure: Orbitals
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
In the modern quantum mechanical model of the atom, electrons are best described as which of the following?
A
Uniformly distributed throughout the entire atom as a continuous negative cloud with no structure
B
Confined only inside the nucleus along with protons and neutrons
C
Particles moving in fixed circular orbits around the nucleus at specific radii
D
Occupying orbitals, meaning regions of space where there is a high probability of finding an electron
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the modern quantum mechanical model of the atom describes electrons not as particles moving in fixed paths, but as existing in regions called orbitals.
Recall that orbitals are defined as regions in space where there is a high probability of finding an electron, rather than exact locations or fixed orbits.
Recognize that this model replaces earlier ideas such as electrons moving in fixed circular orbits (Bohr model) or being uniformly spread as a continuous cloud without structure.
Note that electrons are not confined inside the nucleus; instead, they occupy space around the nucleus in these orbitals.
Therefore, the best description of electrons in the modern quantum mechanical model is that they occupy orbitals, which are probabilistic regions around the nucleus.
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