Question

Name two types of orbitals that current atomic theory uses to identify spaces electrons can occupy and describe the shape of each.

Answer 1

F Orbitals

The n=4, l=3 orbitals are called f orbitals, and they’re difficult to describe. They have multiple complex features. For example, the n=4, l=3, m=0; m=1; and m=-1 orbitals are shaped like dumbbells again, but now with two donuts between the ends of the barbell. The other m values look kind of like a bundle of eight balloons, with all their knots tied together in the center.

D Orbitals

When n=3, then l can equal 2, and when l=2, m can equal 2, 1, 0, -1, and -2. The l=2 orbitals are called d orbitals, and there are five different ones corresponding to the different values of m. The n=3, l=2, m=0 orbital also looks like a dumbbell, but with a doughnut around the middle. The other four d orbitals look like four eggs stacked on end in a square pattern. The different versions just have the eggs pointing in different directions.