What is shape atomic orbitals and …

According to quantum atomic model, an atom can have many possible numbers of orbitals. These orbitals can be categorized on the basis of their size, shape or orientation. A smaller sized orbital means there is a greater chance of getting an electron near the nucleus. The orbital wave function or ϕ is a mathematical function used for representing the coordinates of an electron. The square of the orbital wave function or represents the probability of finding an electron. This wave function also helps us in drawing boundary surface diagrams. Boundary surface diagrams of constant probability density for different orbitals help us understand the shape of orbitals. Let us represent the shapes of orbitals with the help of boundary surface diagrams: Determination of shapes of orbitals: S-orbital: Boundary surface diagram for s orbital looks like a sphere having nucleus as its center which in two dimensions can be seen as a circle. Hence, we can say that s-orbitals are spherically symmetric having probability of finding the electron at a given distance equal in all the directions. The size of the s orbital is also found to increase with increase in the value of principle quantum number (n),thus, 4s > 3s> 2s > 1s. S Orbital P-orbitals: Each p orbital consists of two sections better known as lobes which lie on either side of the plane passing through the nucleus. The three p orbitals differ in the way the lobes are oriented whereas they are identical in terms of size shape and ener