Orbitals are regions in an atom where there is a high probability of finding electrons. They are derived from the solutions to the Schrödinger equation, which describes how quantum particles behave. Each orbital has a specific shape and energy level, influencing how atoms bond and interact with each other. There are several types of orbitals, including s, p, d, and f orbitals, each with distinct shapes. For example, s orbitals are spherical, while p orbitals have a dumbbell shape. The arrangement of electrons in these orbitals determines the chemical properties of an element.