0.1: Orbitals, Quantum Numbers, Electron Configurations, and Trends

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A Note from Dr. Haas: In this course, you will need to know the shapes of the orbitals well, including their directions in space with respect to Cartesian coordinates and where their nodes lie in space. You will also need to quickly find valence electron configurations from a glance at a periodic table, especially the number of electrons in valence d-orbitals. I have written or chosen the pages in this section to provide a concise review of some of the most important skills from General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry courses. I have also designed the Example Exercises to address the specific things you will need to know to succeed in this course.

Advice for doing well: In these pages, and for all reading assignments in this course, please read the material carefully and DO THE EXAMPLE EXERCISES on your own WITH A PEN AND PAPER before checking the answer. (Your future self will thank you if you do this right. Make your future self proud!)