Which of the following describes an s orbital?

Which of the following describes an s orbital?

• A. Dumb-bell shaped and directional
• B. Spherical and non-directional
• C. Flat and planar
• D. Cylindrical and symmetrical

Answer: (B)

An s orbital is characterized by a spherical shape and non-directional nature. This means that the probability density of finding an electron in an s orbital is evenly distributed in all directions around the nucleus. The spherical symmetry signifies that the electron cloud does not favor any specific direction, which is a fundamental distinction from other types of orbitals, such as p orbitals that are dumbbell-shaped and directional. The spherical shape of s orbitals can be visualized as concentric spheres surrounding the nucleus, where the size of the sphere increases with the principal quantum number (n). This characteristic allows s orbitals to accommodate electrons at various energy levels while maintaining their non-directional symmetry.

An s orbital is characterized by a spherical shape and non-directional nature. This means that the probability density of finding an electron in an s orbital is evenly distributed in all directions around the nucleus. The spherical symmetry signifies that the electron cloud does not favor any specific direction, which is a fundamental distinction from other types of orbitals, such as p orbitals that are dumbbell-shaped and directional.

The spherical shape of s orbitals can be visualized as concentric spheres surrounding the nucleus, where the size of the sphere increases with the principal quantum number (n). This characteristic allows s orbitals to accommodate electrons at various energy levels while maintaining their non-directional symmetry.