2006-10-23 03:37:39 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
s orbitals are shaped like spheres. p orbitals are dumbbell/hourglass shaped.
2006-10-23 03:41:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Orbitals "s" = Sharp
Orbitals "p" = Principal
Both names referred to the form of the quality of the spectral lines they give.
The images you can see in any Chemistry book that were described above are just mathematical representations of the real orbitals.
In fact, you must remember that those shapes represent the maximum probability in which an electron is found revolving around the atom.
Good luck!
2006-10-23 10:52:41 · answer #2 · answered by CHESSLARUS 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A picture is worth 1000 words --> http://www.chemcomp.com/journal/molorbs.htm
2006-10-23 10:44:34 · answer #3 · answered by DanE 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋