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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of subshell

First recorded in 1965–70; sub- + shell

Compare meaning

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

• subshell vs. orbital

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

subshell

Because any s subshell can contain only two electrons, the fifth electron must occupy the next energy level, which will be a 2p orbital.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

The letter in the orbital name defines the subshell with a specific angular momentum quantum number l = 0 for s orbitals, 1 for p orbitals, 2 for d orbitals.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

Both atoms, which are in the alkali metal family, have only one electron in a valence s subshell outside a filled set of inner shells.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

Orbitals with the same value of l define a subshell.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

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

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