How many 8p orbitals exist in an atom?

• A. 3
• B. 6
• C. 9
• D. 1

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the number of orbitals in a given subshell is determined by the azimuthal quantum number \( l \). For a \( p \) subshell, \( l = 1 \).
2. The number of orbitals in any subshell is given by the formula \( 2l + 1 \). This accounts for all possible magnetic quantum numbers \( m_l \) ranging from \( -l \) to \( +l \).
3. Substitute \( l = 1 \) into the formula: \( 2(1) + 1 = 3 \). This means there are 3 orbitals in any \( p \) subshell, regardless of the principal quantum number \( n \).
4. The principal quantum number \( n = 8 \) indicates the energy level or shell, but it does not change the number of orbitals in the \( p \) subshell.
5. Therefore, the number of 8p orbitals is 3, corresponding to the three possible orientations of the \( p \) orbitals in the eighth energy level.