Atomic Orbitals (IMAGE) Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology Caption Chemical properties of elements are determined by external electrons that can interact with other atoms. Electrons may assume different states and sit on s, p, d and f-orbitals, which can also have different energy -- for example, there are 2s and 4p orbitals. Credit MIPT's press office Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.