P Orbitals: Meaning of + & - Signs in Lobes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the physical meaning of the + and - signs in the lobes of p orbitals, focusing on their implications in quantum mechanics and wave functions. The conversation touches on the nature of p orbitals, their nodes, and the distinctions between different types of p orbitals.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about the physical meaning of the + and - signs in opposite lobes of p orbitals.
  • Another participant states that the signs indicate the phase of the p orbitals and explains that p orbitals have a node, with specific positive and negative regions relative to the y-axis.
  • A follow-up question seeks clarification on whether the signs are related to the radial part of the wave function and inquires about distinguishing between px and py orbitals.
  • A different participant asserts that the signs are actually due to the angular part of the wave function, noting that px and py orbitals are rotations of pz.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains differing viewpoints regarding the origin of the signs in the p orbitals, with some participants emphasizing the radial aspect while others focus on the angular component. No consensus is reached on this matter.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not fully resolve the relationship between the radial and angular components of the wave function in relation to the signs in p orbitals.

hokhani
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In the attached figure, what is the physical meaning of signs + and - in opposite lobes of p orbitals?
 

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Those indicate the phase of the p orbitals. Recall that p orbitals have a node, so that, e.g. for the left one the function is positive to the right of the y-axis and negative to the left of the y axis.
 
daveyrocket said:
Those indicate the phase of the p orbitals. Recall that p orbitals have a node, so that, e.g. for the left one the function is positive to the right of the y-axis and negative to the left of the y axis.
Thank you. Do you mean that it is due to the radial part of wave function? If so, how to realize between px and py?
 
No it's actually do to the angular part. px and py are just rotations of pz.
 

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