4f orbital

A 4f orbital is an atomic orbital with principal quantum number 4 and angular momentum quantum number 3. Its seven orientations can hold up to 14 electrons and are progressively filled across the lanthanide series.

Atomic orbital: A quantum state describing an electron’s spatial distribution in an atom. The 4f orbital is one specific kind of atomic orbital.
Radial distribution function: A function giving the probability of finding an electron within a spherical shell at a given radius. It shows where a 4f electron is most likely to lie relative to the nucleus.
Lanthanide: A chemical element in the series from lanthanum to lutetium, associated with filling of the 4f subshell. Lanthanide atoms and ions are the principal setting for 4f electrons.
3d orbital: An atomic orbital with principal quantum number 3 and angular momentum quantum number 2. Compared with 3d orbitals, 4f orbitals are more contracted and shielded by outer electrons.
Principal quantum number: An integer quantum number that identifies an electron state’s principal shell and influences its energy and radial extent. The number 4 specifies the 4f orbital’s principal shell.
Electron shielding: The reduction of nuclear attraction experienced by an electron because of other electrons. Other electrons shield 4f electrons imperfectly, affecting their energies and contraction.
Lanthanide(III) ion: A triply charged lanthanide ion, commonly retaining a partially filled 4f subshell. Many characteristic 4f properties appear in these ions.
5d orbital: An atomic orbital with principal quantum number 5 and angular momentum quantum number 2. 5d electrons extend farther outward and participate more directly in bonding than 4f electrons.
Azimuthal quantum number: A quantum number that specifies an orbital’s angular momentum and subshell shape. The value 3 identifies the f subshell.
Lanthanide contraction: The gradual decrease in atomic and ionic sizes across the lanthanide series. Increasing nuclear charge draws the poorly shielding 4f electrons and outer shells inward.

Linked from 8 pages