This introductory chapter on electronic structure is tailored for first-year students in the field of Life Sciences. Within this chapter, we explore foundational principles of chemistry, as they provide the essential groundwork for comprehending how atoms interact and come together to form chemical bonds, ultimately resulting in the creation of molecules.
At the core of this comprehension lies the Schrödinger model, which eloquently describes the probabilistic distribution of electrons around the nucleus of an atom. This quantum model imparts the understanding that electrons inhabit specific energy levels known as orbitals, distinguished by their principal
, azimuthal (l), magnetic (m), and spin (s) quantum numbers.
By grasping the intricate dance of electrons within orbitals and electron shells, we gain the ability to anticipate chemical reactivity, decipher the periodic properties of elements, and unveil a multitude of other phenomena within the realm of chemistry.
So, I invite you to embark on your journey through the study of electronic structure with unwavering enthusiasm, for it serves as the cornerstone of modern chemistry and provides profound insights into our understanding of the world that surrounds us.