What is difference between orbit and orbital?

Question

Answer

ORBIT -
Orbits are the two - dimentional fixed paths around which electrons revolve around the nucleus of the atom
The maximum number of electrons in a particular orbit is 2n2 .

ORBITAL-
orbital is an uncertain area inside an atom within which the probability to find an electron(s) is highest. It represents the three-dimensional space around the nucleus. Orbitals occur in various shapes and capacities in accordance with the element and its atomic number. They are categorized as s, p, d and f type orbital. The maximum capacities of these orbital are:
s orbital – 2 electrons
p orbital – 6 electrons
d orbital – 10 electrons
f orbital – 16 electrons

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Answer

Answer

Orbit ---
1. An orbit is the curved path in space that is followed by an object going round and round a planet, moon, or star.
2. Mars and Earth have orbits which change with time.
3. The maximum number of electrons in a particular orbit is 2n2.

Orbital ---
1. It is well-defined circular path followed by electron around nucleus.It is a region of space around the nucleus where the probability of finding an electron is maximum.
2. It represents two dimensional motion of electron around nucleus.It represents three dimensional motion of electron around nucleus.
3. The maximum number of electrons in an orbital is 2.

Answer

Orbit vs Orbital: Understanding the Difference

Introduction:
In the field of astronomy, the terms 'orbit' and 'orbital' are frequently used to describe the motion of celestial bodies. While these terms might seem interchangeable, they have distinct meanings and refer to different aspects of an object's movement in space. This article aims to clarify the difference between orbit and orbital.

Orbit:
An orbit refers to the path followed by an object around another celestial body due to the force of gravity. In simpler terms, it is the trajectory of an object as it revolves around a more massive body. Some key characteristics of an orbit include:

1. Shape: Orbits can be elliptical, circular, parabolic, or hyperbolic, depending on the speed and distance of the object from the central body. Planets, for example, have nearly circular orbits around the Sun, while comets often have elongated elliptical orbits.

2. Stability: Orbits can be stable or unstable. Stable orbits are those where the gravitational force of the central body keeps the orbiting object in a predictable and repetitive path. Unstable orbits, on the other hand, are temporary and can change over time due to external influences or interactions with other objects.

3. Altitude: The altitude of an object's orbit refers to its distance from the surface of the central body. Low Earth orbits (LEOs) are relatively close to the Earth's surface, while geostationary orbits (GEOs) are much higher, positioned at an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometers.

Orbital:
While orbit describes the path of an object, an orbital is a region within an atom where an electron is likely to be found. In the context of atomic structure, the term orbital is used to define the three-dimensional space where electrons exist based on their energy levels. Here are some key points about orbitals:

1. Shape: Unlike orbits, which have various shapes, orbitals have distinct shapes determined by mathematical equations. These shapes are often represented by diagrams such as spherically symmetric s, dumbbell-shaped p, and complex d and f orbitals.

2. Energy Levels: Electrons in atoms occupy different energy levels, and each energy level can have one or more orbitals. The energy level determines the distance of the orbital from the atomic nucleus. The first energy level (n = 1) has only one s orbital, while the second energy level (n = 2) has an s orbital and three p orbitals.

3. Electron Occupancy: Each orbital can accommodate a maximum number of electrons based on its shape and energy level. For instance, an s orbital can hold up to two electrons, while a p orbital can hold up to six electrons (two in each of the three p orbitals).

Conclusion:
In summary, the key distinction between orbit and orbital lies in their respective domains of usage. Orbit refers to the path of a celestial object around another body, while orbital refers to the region within an atom where electrons are likely to be found. Understanding these differences helps to clarify the terminology used in astronomy and atomic structure, allowing for more precise communication and comprehension in these fields.

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