ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Atomic orbitals

Have you ever heard of atoms? They're like tiny building blocks that make up everything around us, like air, water, and even you! And inside an atom, there are even tinier things called electrons that orbit around a central part called the nucleus.

Now, think of the electrons' orbit like the way you ride a bike around a circular track. But instead of a track, it's like the electron is riding around the nucleus on different paths. And these paths are called atomic orbitals.

Different atomic orbitals are shaped differently, like how some bike tracks are circular and some are oval. And each orbital can hold a certain number of electrons, like how some bikes can only fit one person and others can fit more.

These atomic orbitals are really important because they affect how atoms react with other atoms and how they form different molecules. So, the different number and shapes of atomic orbitals can determine how an element will behave in different situations.

In summary, atomic orbitals are like paths that electrons ride on around the center of an atom, and they can hold different numbers of electrons. The shape and number of these orbitals influence how atoms react and form different molecules.