1. Electrons occupy discrete energy levels around the nucleus, known as quantized energy levels. 2. The energy levels are labeled by principal quantum numbers n=1, 2, 3, etc. and can hold a maximum number of electrons given by 2n^2. 3. Within each energy level are sub-divisions called orbitals that are distinguished by their shape and orientation in space. The types of orbitals are s, p, d, f orbitals and they follow the ordering of s < p < d < f in terms of energy.