P orbitals are a type of atomic orbital with a dumbbell shape that can hold up to six electrons, and they exist in three orientations (px, py, pz). They are higher in energy than s orbitals and start appearing in the second energy level (n=2).
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Each p orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons.
There are three p orbitals per energy level starting from n=2: px, py, and pz.
P orbitals have a dumbbell shape with lobes oriented along the x, y, and z axes.
The angular momentum quantum number (l) for p orbitals is 1.
P orbitals play a significant role in the chemical bonding and molecular geometry of elements.
Review Questions
How many electrons can occupy one p orbital?
At which principal energy level do p orbitals first appear?
What is the shape of a p orbital?
Related terms
s Orbital: A spherical atomic orbital that can hold up to two electrons with an angular momentum quantum number (l) of 0.
d Orbital: An atomic orbital with more complex shapes that can hold up to ten electrons, starting from n=3 with an angular momentum quantum number (l) of 2.
\text{Quantum Number}: $\text{Numbers used to describe the properties of atomic orbitals and their electrons.}$