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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: oceanmd on September 22, 2010, 06:36:31 PM

Title: Orbitals or Energy Levels
Post by: oceanmd on September 22, 2010, 06:36:31 PM

In the quantum mechanic view of the atom, electrons are confined to charge clouds called?
I am debating between orbitals and energy levels. I think it's orbitals as it is more specific.

Please help

Title: Re: Orbitals or Energy Levels
Post by: MrTeo on September 23, 2010, 07:56:14 AM

To be precise I think you should say "energy levels" as the "orbital" is only an area where there's a probability higher than 90% to find the electron. In fact this term is used mostly by chemists as it helps visualizing bonds much more easily than the abstract and more "physical" term "energy level".

Title: Re: Orbitals or Energy Levels
Post by: oceanmd on September 24, 2010, 10:38:24 AM

Thank you MrTeo,

Does anybody have more arguments one way or another? Is energy levels a better answer?

Thank you