Where do electrons reside according to the atomic orbital model?

Electrons reside in defined 3D shapes called orbitals according to the atomic orbital model. This model departs from the earlier concept of electrons moving in fixed circular paths around the nucleus, as proposed in the Bohr model. Instead, the atomic orbital model incorporates quantum mechanics and describes orbitals as regions in space where there is a high probability of finding an electron.

These orbitals come in various shapes (such as spherical for s orbitals, dumbbell-shaped for p orbitals, etc.) and sizes, reflecting the likelihood of an electron's presence at different distances and orientations relative to the nucleus. The precise shape and orientation of these orbitals are determined by quantum numbers, which describe the energy level, angular momentum, and magnetic properties of the electrons. This model allows for a more accurate understanding of the behavior of electrons in atoms, especially in terms of chemical bonding and interactions.