Which of the following correctly describes the shapes of the s and p atomic orbitals?

• A. s orbitals are spherical; p orbitals are dumbbell-shaped
• B. Both s and p orbitals are planar
• C. Both s and p orbitals are spherical
• D. s orbitals are dumbbell-shaped; p orbitals are spherical

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that atomic orbitals describe the regions in space where there is a high probability of finding an electron around the nucleus.
2. Understand that the shape of an orbital is related to its angular momentum quantum number (l): for s orbitals, l = 0; for p orbitals, l = 1.
3. Know that s orbitals (l = 0) are spherical because they have no angular nodes, meaning the electron density is evenly distributed around the nucleus in all directions.
4. Recognize that p orbitals (l = 1) have one angular node, resulting in a dumbbell shape with two lobes on opposite sides of the nucleus along a particular axis (x, y, or z).
5. Therefore, the correct description is that s orbitals are spherical, and p orbitals are dumbbell-shaped.