Analyzing False Statements about Orbitals

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on identifying false statements regarding atomic orbitals, specifically focusing on the properties of p and d orbitals. The user correctly identifies that statement b ("Only three different orientations are possible for 3d orbitals") is false, as there are five distinct orientations for d orbitals. Additionally, statement c ("A dxy orbital has maximum electron density along the x and y axes directions") is also false, as the dxy orbital has maximum density in the xy plane, not along the axes. Statement d is confirmed as true, as a 3d orbital is indeed of higher energy than a 4s orbital in a hydrogen atom.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with atomic orbitals and quantum numbers
  • Knowledge of electron configurations in multi-electron atoms
  • Basic grasp of energy levels in hydrogen and helium atoms
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  • Study the shapes and orientations of atomic orbitals, focusing on d orbitals
  • Learn about the Aufbau principle and its implications for electron configurations
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  • Explore the concept of electron density and its representation in orbital diagrams
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I was able to work through most of them myself but am haveing problems with the following, for some I simply don't understand the statement it self. Any help appericiated.
Pick the false statements out of the following:


a. Different p orbitals with the same value of the principal quantum number have different orientations in space.
b. Only three different orientations are possible for 3d orbitals.
c. A dxy orbital has maximum electron density along the x and y axes directions.
d. For the hydrogen atom, a 3d orbital is of higher energy than a 4s orbital.
e. For helium atom, a 3d electron is of higher energy than a 3s electron.

I think b, c, and d are false, but am very unsure.
 
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I just read-up on the topic a bit more, I now think that only b and c are false. Can someone pleasr verify?
 

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