The 2p orbital refers to the three atomic orbitals found on the second energy level (n=2), each with two lobes pointing in different directions along x,y,z axes respectively.
Imagine the 2p orbitals like three balloons tied together at their knots - they're all connected at one point but extend outwards in different directions.
Quantum Numbers: Set of four numbers used to describe completely the movement and trajectories of each electron within an atom.
Subshell: A division of electron shells separated by different angular momentum quantum numbers.
Degenerate Orbitals: Orbitals that have the same energy levels. For example, all three 2p orbitals are degenerate because they have equal energies.
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.