Symmetry of the Orbitals

[506047744]

How can you tell that the p, d, and f orbitals have asymmetric e- density distribution?

[audreywang3C]

The shape of the orbitals are not spherically symmetrical, whereas the s orbital is a perfect sphere.

[CristinaG]

The p, d, and f orbitals all have at least one nodal plane, meaning that they have a plane with zero electron density going through it, unlike the s orbital. The p orbital has 1 nodal plane, the d orbital has 2, and the f orbital has 3. Hope this helps!