How many different spatial orientations are possible for f orbitals (l = 3)?

• A. 5
• B. 9
• C. 7
• D. 3

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the number of different spatial orientations for any atomic orbital is given by the formula \$2l + 1\(, where \)l$ is the azimuthal quantum number (orbital angular momentum quantum number).
2. Identify the value of \(l\) for the f orbitals, which is given as \(l = 3\).
3. Substitute \(l = 3\) into the formula to find the number of orientations: \(2 \times 3 + 1\).
4. Simplify the expression to get \$6 + 1$.
5. Conclude that the number of different spatial orientations for f orbitals is \$7$.