Chemistry Atomic Structure MDCAT 2017
PMDC Verified Question 83 of 95
Identify the correct option associated with the shape of p-orbital:
A
Spherical shape (s-orbital)
B
Four-lobed cloverleaf shape (d_{xy}-orbital)
C
Dumbbell shape with donut collar (d_{z^2}-orbital)
D
Two-lobed dumbbell shape (p_z-orbital)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option D: Two-lobed dumbbell shape (p_z-orbital)
Concept: The azimuthal quantum number \(l\) dictates the shape of the electron probability density (orbital).

Formula: $$ l=1 \implies \text{p-orbital} $$

Solution:
  • For an s-orbital (\(l=0\)), the shape is spherical.
  • For a p-orbital (\(l=1\)), the shape is a dumbbell (two lobes separated by a single nodal plane).
  • For a d-orbital (\(l=2\)), the shapes are typically double-dumbbells or a dumbbell with a collar (like \( d_{z^2} \)).
  • Option D represents the classic dumbbell shape associated with p-orbitals.


Why other options are incorrect: Option A is an s-orbital. Options B and C represent d-orbitals.

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