Question
Discuss the shapes of p-orbitals.
Solution
For p orbital, l = 1 and hence m =1, 0, + 1. It means p subshell can have three possible orientations. These three orbitals of a p-subshell are designated as px, py and pz . These orbitals are oriented along X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.
Fig. Shapes of p-orbitals.
respectively. These three orbitals are at right angles to each other. P orbitals are dumb-bell in shape. Each p-orbital consists of two lobes symmetrical about a particular axis. Two lobes of each orbital are separated by a nodal plane. The probability of finding the electron in a particular p-orbital is equal in both the lobes, p-orbitals have directional character.
The p-orbitals of higher energy levels (n = 3, 4, 5 etc.) have similar shapes although their sizes are bigger.
Fig. Shapes of p-orbitals.
respectively. These three orbitals are at right angles to each other. P orbitals are dumb-bell in shape. Each p-orbital consists of two lobes symmetrical about a particular axis. Two lobes of each orbital are separated by a nodal plane. The probability of finding the electron in a particular p-orbital is equal in both the lobes, p-orbitals have directional character.
The p-orbitals of higher energy levels (n = 3, 4, 5 etc.) have similar shapes although their sizes are bigger.
