The F orbital is a type of atomic orbital that can hold a maximum of 14 electrons. It is part of the electron configuration in atoms and is characterized by its complex shape, which can be visualized as having multiple lobes. F orbitals begin to fill in the lanthanide and actinide series of the periodic table, which include elements like cerium and uranium. F orbitals are designated by the quantum number l = 3, indicating their angular momentum. They play a crucial role in the chemical properties of heavy elements, influencing their valence electrons and bonding behavior. Understanding F orbitals is essential for studying transition metals and their compounds.