Significance of XYZ to PDF orbitals

[Jasmine Reddy DIS 1E]

Why are P, D, F orbitals distinguished with X, Y, and Z (ex. Px, Py, Pz, Dxy, Dyz, etc.)? Is it just to show what axis the orbitals and lobes are located along?

[Hanlin Zhu 4G]

I agree with you. I think they are used mainly to denote the orientations of the lobes.

[Lorena Zhang 4E]

It is just to show the orbital orientations. X, Y, Z can be used to show different planes.

[Hailey Boehm 2H]

I agree with what was previously stated. Also, from my understanding I think they are used to distinguish between the different orbitals in particular subshell so that we can more easily tell the placement of the electrons in the specific orbitals. ex: 2px^2 2py^1, 2pz^1 is a more specific version of 2p^4

[Henri_de_Guzman_3L]

I think it's just one way to distinguish between different locations in a given shell. It's like filling _ _ _ with electrons except we use X, Y, and Z

[Archana Biju 1G]

Yes, the x,y,z is simply shown to denote the orientation of the orbitals.

[Rami_Z_AbuQubo_2K]

It is basically denoting the orientation. Think of it like a x,y,z graph and imagine the orientation falling on each of the 3 different lines.