Question

Why are the orbitals shells called s, p, d, f, etc.? Is there a reason?

Answer 1

The letter refers to the shape of the orbital. The letters go in the order s, p, d, f, g, h, i, j, etc. The letters s, p, d, and f were assigned for historical reasons that need not concern us. All we have to do is remember the shapes that correspond to each letter.

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