Chapter 5, Problem 109A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The shapes of the given atomic orbitals need to be described. Their orientations needs to be specified and each orbital needs to be related to a particular type of energy sublevel.

Concept introduction:

The atomic orbital in the quantum mechanics is a mathematical function which is used to describe the wave nature of an electron. This is used to determine an electron’s probability in a specific space around the nucleus.

Explanation of Solution

The $1s$ orbital contains s-orbital which is spherical around the x, y and z planes. The s-orbitals are found in the first two groups in the periodic table. The $p$ orbitals are dumb bell shaped containing three orbitals that are perpendicular to each other. From the given diagram of the p orbital, the orientation is along the y-axis. The $d$ orbital are double dumbbell (or two dumbbell) shaped which are perpendicular to each other and lies in the xz plane. There are total five d-orbitals but only one is shown in the given problem.