which of the following orbitals is spherical?
a.  5f   b.  3p   c.  2s

Hello teatea-ga,  
 
Thank you for your question.

Which of the following orbitals is spherical? 
a. 5f  
b. 3p   
c. 2s

The answer is C

From the Overview of Quantum Mechanics and Orbitals by Dr. MJ
Patterson

s orbitals
 
“s orbitals are spherical in shape.”

“Each s orbital also has a number associated with it, called the
principal quantum number, and abbreviated n.  For the elements in the
periodic table, n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.  Theoretically, n can go up
to infinity, but physicists have not yet created any atoms that
require a principal quantum number bigger than 7.  The principal
quantum number is also associated with the row of the periodic table,
and note that there are 7 rows, if you slide the lanthanides and
actinides back in where they belong.  So, the most frequently used
names for the s orbitals are 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s and 7s”.

“Each  orbital is spherical, with the nucleus at the center of the
sphere.  The main difference between s orbitals is in the size.  The
1s orbital is the smallest, and the 7s orbital is the largest.  Also,
the s orbitals occur singly.  In other words, when we talk about the
3s orbital, it is just a single orbital.”

p orbitals look like a cartoon dumbell, with two lobes, one on each
side of the nucleus.

d orbitals look like a 3 dimensional cloverleaf, or two p orbitals
stuck together.

f orbitals are even more complicated than the d orbitals, starting
with double cloverleafs.

Source:
Overview - Module 20 - Quantum Mechanics and Orbitals 
Dr. MJ Patterson 
http://www.brazosport.cc.tx.us/~chem/tutor/orbital.html


Search Criteria:
Spherical orbitals


I hope this helps. 


Best Regards,
Bobbie7-ga