Orbitals in chemistry

Orbitals are regions around an atom's nucleus where electrons are most likely to be found. Think of them as a map that shows where electrons tend to exist, rather than fixed paths like planets orbiting the sun. These areas have different shapes and sizes, which influence how atoms bond and interact. Understanding orbitals helps explain chemical behavior, such as why certain elements combine or how molecules form. They are fundamental to quantum chemistry, providing a visual and mathematical way to understand the arrangement of electrons that determine an atom’s properties.