Shapes of Atomic Orbitals
The shapes that the atomic orbitals are related to the probabilities
of finding the electron in a certain volume in space. Using the
Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, and z axes) as a
frame of reference, the nucleus of the atom is located at the origin.
The diagrams below are called "Boundary Surface Diagrams". These
diagrams show the volume of space which encloses 90% of the
probability distribution of finding the electron within the
orbitals' boundary surfaces.
The s orbital
There is one type of s orbital. It has the shape of a sphere.
Return to the top of page
The p orbitals
There are three p orbitals. They have the shapes of a dumbbell.
Return to the top of page
The d orbitals
There are five d orbitals. Four of them have the shapes of a cloverleaf.
The fifth one resembles a p orbital with a donut around the middle.
Return to the top of page
