subshell

American  

[suhb-shel] / ˈsʌbˌʃɛl /

noun

Physics.

1. a group of electrons in an atom belonging to the same shell and also having the same azimuthal quantum number.

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subshell Scientific  

/ sŭb′shĕl′ /

1. One or more orbitals in the electron shell of an atom with the same energy level. Subshells have different shapes and are distinguished by their magnetic quantum number.

2. See more at orbital quantum number

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Etymology

Origin of subshell

First recorded in 1965–70; sub- + shell

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Compare meaning

How does subshell compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• subshell vs. orbital

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

subshell

Orbitals with the same value of l define a subshell.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

In contrast, the alkaline earth metals have a completed s subshell in their outermost shell.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

This electron must go into the lowest-energy subshell available, the 3s orbital, giving a 1s22s22p63s1 configuration.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

The Pauli exclusion principle determines the maximum number of electrons allowed in each shell and subshell.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

"Bang foo runs foo in a subshell, while bang alone shells out."

From The Jargon File, Version 4.2.2, 20 Aug 2000 by Guy L. Steele

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