unpairedelectron
An unpaired electron is an electron that occupies an atomic orbital by itself. In a typical atom, electrons are found in pairs within orbitals, with each electron in a pair having opposite spin. When an electron is unpaired, it means there is no other electron with the opposite spin in the same orbital. This often results in the atom or molecule being paramagnetic, meaning it is attracted to an external magnetic field.
The presence of unpaired electrons is a key characteristic of free radicals, which are highly reactive chemical
The number of unpaired electrons in an atom or molecule can be determined using techniques like electron