Which of the following statements correctly describes atomic d orbitals?

• A. d orbitals are spherical in shape.
• B. d orbitals can hold a maximum of 10 electrons in total.
• C. Each d subshell contains a total of 3 d orbitals.
• D. d orbitals have a principal quantum number n of at least 3.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that atomic d orbitals are part of the d subshell, which is characterized by the azimuthal quantum number \( l = 2 \).
2. Understand the shape of d orbitals: d orbitals are not spherical; instead, they have more complex shapes such as cloverleaf patterns or a donut shape around the nucleus.
3. Remember the number of orbitals in a d subshell: there are 5 distinct d orbitals, each capable of holding 2 electrons, so the total capacity is \( 5 \times 2 = 10 \) electrons.
4. Note the principal quantum number \( n \) for d orbitals: the d subshell first appears at \( n = 3 \) and can exist for higher principal quantum numbers as well.
5. Summarize the correct statements: d orbitals can hold a maximum of 10 electrons in total, and they have a principal quantum number \( n \) of at least 3, while the shape is not spherical and there are 5 orbitals, not 3.