SNC1DE: Bohr Theory - S P D F Orbitals
S P D F stands for Sharp, Principal, Diffuse and Fundamental. They are regions around
nuclei where electrons with given energies are likely to be. They are also called
sublevels- levels within electron levels.
Shape
S orbitals are spheres
P orbitals are shaped like dumbbells
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SNC1DE: Bohr Theory - S P D F Orbitals
D orbitals
F orbitals
What kind of elements?
Groups 1 & 2 on the periodic table are S elements
Groups 13-18 on the periodic table are P elements
Groups 3-12 on the periodic table are D elements
Inner Transition Metals on the periodic table are F elements
How many electrons can be in each one?
S sublevels can have 2 electrons
P sublevels can have 6 electrons
D sublevels can have 10 electrons
F sublevels can have 14 electrons
Differences between them
Their energy
Their levels of electrons
The types of elements they shown up in.
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SNC1DE: Bohr Theory - S P D F Orbitals
Electron Configurations and the Periodic Table
The periodic table is your best guide to the order in which orbitals are filled.
1s
1s
2s
2p
3s
3p
4s
3d
4p
5s
4d
5p
6s
5d
6p
7s
6d
4f
5f
The electrons fill up in the following order:
1s
2s
2p
3s
3p
3d
4s
4p
4d
4f
5s
5p
5d
5f
Orbitals of a subshell will fill with electrons with the same spin first then with electrons
of opposite spin.
Electron Configurations
The way in which the electrons are distributed among the various orbitals of an atom are
called its electron configuration.
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SNC1DE: Bohr Theory - S P D F Orbitals
The most stable, or ground state , electron configuration of an atom is that in which the
electrons are in the lowest possible energy states.
paired
unpaired
Li
1s
2s
ms=+1/2
ms= -1/2
1s
2s
2p
3s
Li
Be
B
C
N
Ne
Na
The filling of the 2p subshell is complete at neon, which has a stable configuration with
eight electrons (an octet) in the outermost shell.
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