Ncert Exercises & Solutions

What is the difference between the terms orbit and orbital?

Orbit	Orbital
An orbit is a well defined circular path around the nucleus in which the electrons revolve.	An orbital is the three dimensional space around the nucleus within which the probability of finding an electron is maximum (up to 90%).
All orbits are circular and disk like.	Different orbitals have different shapes.
The concept of an orbit is not in accordance with the wave character of electrons with uncertainty principle.	The concept of an orbital is in accordance with the wave character of electrons and uncertainty principle.
The maximum number of electrons in any orbit is given by 2n² where n is the number of the orbit.	The maximum number of electrons present in any orbital is two.