2020 P1 Q1 - Deducing number of d-orbitals with 4 lobes

Let's take a look at 2020 A Levels H2 Chemistry Paper 1 Question 1.

We are required to determine the number of 3d orbitals that has four lobes.

Let's recap the shape of p orbitals and d orbitals.

There are 3 p orbitals in each p subshell.

p orbitals are dumbbell shaped with 2 lobes.
- 2p_x lies along x axis
- 2p_y lies along y axis
- 2p_z lies along z axis

There are 5 d orbitals in each d subshell.

4 of the d orbitals are clover-leaf shaped with 4 lobes.
- 3d_xy lies on xy plane
- 3d_yz lies on yz plane
- 3d_xz lies on xz plane
- 3d_x²-y² lies directly along x and y axis

The final d orbital 3d_z² is dumbbell shaped with a ring around the centre lying along z axis.

Therefore the answer to this question will be option C.

Topic: Atomic Structure, Physical Chemistry, A Level Chemistry, Singapore

Back to list of questions for 2020 A Level H2 Chemistry Paper 1.

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