Key Concepts: Electron Suborbitals

Core Definitions

• Sublevel (Subshell): Subdivisions within energy levels: s, p, d, f.
• s Sublevel: 1 orbital, holds up to 2 electrons; found in every energy level.
• p Sublevel: 3 orbitals, holds up to 6 electrons; starts at energy level 2.
• d Sublevel: 5 orbitals, holds up to 10 electrons; starts at energy level 3.
• f Sublevel: 7 orbitals, holds up to 14 electrons; starts at energy level 4.
• Aufbau Principle: Electrons fill the lowest-energy sublevel first before moving to higher ones.