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.

2020 p1 q1 question

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.

2020 p1 q1 p orbitals

There are 3 p orbitals in each p subshell.

p orbitals are dumbbell shaped with 2 lobes.
- 2px lies along x axis
- 2py lies along y axis
- 2pz lies along z axis

2020 p1 q1 d orbitals

There are 5 d orbitals in each d subshell.

4 of the d orbitals are clover-leaf shaped with 4 lobes.
- 3dxy lies on xy plane
- 3dyz lies on yz plane
- 3dxz lies on xz plane
- 3dx2-y2 lies directly along x and y axis

The final d orbital 3dz2 is dumbbell shaped with a ring around the centre lying along z axis.

2020 p1 q1 answer

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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