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

• subshell vs. orbital