EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -In atomic theory and quantum mechanics, an atomic orbital is a function describing the location and wave-like behavior of an electron 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.

Detailed explanation-2: -An atomic orbital is a mathematical function that describes the wave-like behavior of either one electron or a pair of electrons in an atom.

Detailed explanation-3: -In quantum mechanics, the physical state of an electron is described by a wave function. According to the standard probability interpretation, the wave function of an electron is probability amplitude, and its modulus square gives the probability density of finding the electron in a certain position in space.

Detailed explanation-4: -The wave functions for s states are functions of r and do not show any dependence on angular coordinates. Therefore, the orbitals represented by the wave functions are spherically symmetric, and the probability of finding the electron at a given distance from the nucleus in such an orbital is equal in all directions.

Detailed explanation-5: -Finally, which statement best describes an atomic orbital? The answer is (B), a three-dimensional mathematical description of the most likely location of an electron in an atom.