D orbitals

Definition

d orbitals are a type of atomic orbital with angular momentum quantum number $l = 2$. They have complex shapes, including cloverleaf patterns and a toroidal shape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. d orbitals exist starting from the third principal energy level ($n = 3$).
2. There are five d orbitals in each energy level where they appear: $d_{xy}$, $d_{xz}$, $d_{yz}$, $d_{x^2-y^2}$, and $d_{z^2}$.
3. d orbitals can hold a maximum of 10 electrons due to their five unique orientations and two possible spin states for each electron.
4. The shapes of d orbitals play a significant role in the bonding and properties of transition metals.
5. d orbitals contribute to the splitting of energy levels in a crystal field, leading to phenomena such as color in transition metal complexes.

Review Questions

Related terms

Quantum Numbers:

Set of four numbers used to describe an electron's state in an atom: principal ($n$), angular momentum ($l$), magnetic ($m_l$), and spin ($m_s$).

Transition Metals:

Elements found in groups 3-12 on the periodic table that often have partially filled d orbitals.

Crystal Field Theory:

A model describing the breaking of degeneracies of electron orbital states, usually d or f orbitals, due to a static electric field produced by a surrounding charge distribution.