Eli5 what does the s,p,d and f stand for in atomic orbitals? Like is it short for something or is it like the p on pH lost in time?
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The s, p, d, and f letters used to denote different types of atomic orbitals originate from descriptions of spectral lines from early spectroscopy research:
– s orbitals are described as “sharp” lines
– p orbitals produce “principal” lines
– d orbitals give “diffuse” lines
– f orbitals correspond to “fundamental” lines
More specifically:
– s orbitals have an azimuthal quantum number (l) of 0
– p orbitals have l = 1
– d orbitals have l = 2
– f orbitals have l = 3
The azimuthal quantum number (l) describes the orbital angular momentum and relates to the shape of the orbital. Higher l values correspond to more complex shapes and higher energy levels.
The principal quantum number (n) denotes the electron shell and always precedes the orbital type letter, like 1s, 2p, 3d, etc. It relates to the size and energy of the orbital.
**The s, p, d, f letters refer to the shape and angular momentum of the atomic orbitals, originating from spectral line descriptions and now formally defined by the azimuthal quantum number. The principal quantum number indicates the shell and energy level.**
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