Explore the quantum picture of hydrogen: rotate electron probability clouds, compare four orbitals, reveal nodes in a central slice, and build a cloud from independent position measurements.
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Atomic Orbitals
About this simulation
This simulation shows hydrogen atomic orbitals as clouds of thousands of points, each placed at random according to the real quantum probability. Students choose the 1s, 2s, 2p or 3d orbital, set how many points are shown, spin the view and toggle phase colours, nodes and a cut-away. Readouts give the quantum numbers, the number of nodes, the mean radius and the energy. It helps teachers explain that electrons have probability clouds rather than orbits, and how orbital shapes relate to quantum numbers.
What students can explore
- Compare the 1s and 2s orbitals and count the Nodes in the readout.
- Select 2p and turn on Show phase colours to see the two lobes in blue and orange.
- Switch to 3d and read its Quantum numbers and Energy in the panel.
- Turn on Cut-away to look inside the cloud and find where the dots are densest.
- Raise Points to 6000 to make the shape clearer, then lower it to see how sparse the sampling can be.
Learning objectives
- 1Explain that an orbital is a region of probability, not a fixed path.
- 2Recognise the shapes of s, p and d orbitals.
- 3Relate the quantum numbers n and l to the size, shape and nodes of an orbital.
- 4Describe how nodes and phase appear in an orbital.
Questions teachers ask
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to use in any modern browser, including tablets and interactive whiteboards, and needs no sign-up.
Is the electron really orbiting like a planet?
No. Quantum mechanics only gives the probability of finding the electron at each place. The dots show where it is likely to be, and denser regions mean higher probability.
What are the blue and orange colours?
They show the sign, or phase, of the wavefunction. Regions of opposite sign are separated by a node where the electron is never found. Phase matters when orbitals combine to form bonds.
How do I use it in class?
Choose an orbital from the drop-down, then use the Points, Spin and toggle controls. Drag to rotate the cloud and read the quantum numbers and node count for each orbital.
Embed this simulation
Drop it into your LMS, blog, or class site — free.
<iframe src="https://kiwibee.io/en/simulations/atomic-orbitals-3d-simulation/embed" title="Atomic Orbitals | KiwiBee" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen style="width:100%;height:min(70vh,620px);min-height:420px;border:0;border-radius:16px"></iframe>Continue exploring
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