Question

Define an atomic orbital.

Answer 1

Hint: An atom is the smallest unit of matter which forms a chemical element. Every solid, liquid, gas consists of atoms. Atoms consist of protons, neutrons and electrons.

Complete answer:
Atomic orbitals are the 3-dimensional spaces around the nucleus where the probability of finding an electron is maximum. The molecules orbitals are formed by combining the atomic orbitals. In quantum chemistry we have encounter orbitals which are s, p, d and f subshells. Orbitals are of different shapes and sizes and they can be determined by the square of the wave function.
Shapes of orbitals s, p, d and f are given below:

Orbitals are of different shapes the s orbital has a spherical shape, the p orbital has a dumbbell shape the d orbital has a double dumbbell shape. The maximum number of electrons which can be present in an orbital is two. Almost all the orbitals are directional in nature except the s orbital, it is non directional in nature. The concept of orbitals is explained by the Heisenberg Uncertainty principle.

Note:
Do not get confused between orbit and orbitals. Orbit is a well-defined circular path around the nucleus in which the electrons revolve whereas atomic orbitals are the 3-dimensional spaced around the nucleus where the probability of finding an electron is maximum.
Orbits represent the motion of electrons in a plane and they are non-directional in nature. The orbits are either circular or elliptical in shape. The nodal plane is a plane where the probability of finding an electron is zero.