Atomic Orbitals

[jillian1k]

Do we need to know each of the specific shapes/models of the orbitals for each state? Or are we just supposed to know generally how many nodes and lobes each one has?

[Chem_Mod]

It would be great to know the different shapes of s, p and d orbitals, which is not that difficult to remember! S is spherical, p is two ellipsoids with a point of tangency at the nucleus and for d orbitals it is a "clover leaf" distribution (something like 2 dumbbells in a plane). I hope this helps!

[Minie 1G]

Also the f orbital.

So if the p orbital is two lobes, aka two ellipses, the d orbital would be (generally) like a double p with 4 lobes. And the f is (generally) like a triple p with 6 lobes (because one p has 2 lobes, so triple that would be 6 total). It's also arranged similarly, 6 ellipsoids orientated around the origin.