What is the maximum number of p orbitals that can exist in a given shell?

• A. 1
• B. 6
• C. 5
• D. 3

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the number of orbitals in a subshell depends on the type of orbital: s, p, d, f, etc. Each type corresponds to a specific azimuthal quantum number \( l \).
2. For p orbitals, the azimuthal quantum number \( l = 1 \). The magnetic quantum number \( m_l \) can take integer values from \( -l \) to \( +l \), including zero.
3. Calculate the possible values of \( m_l \) for \( l = 1 \): \( m_l = -1, 0, +1 \). This means there are 3 possible orientations for p orbitals.
4. Each orientation corresponds to one p orbital, so the maximum number of p orbitals in a given shell is 3.
5. Note that each orbital can hold 2 electrons with opposite spins, but the question asks for the number of orbitals, not electrons.