Topic: Quantum numbers and shapes of s, p, d orbitals· Atomic Structure

Identify the incorrect statement from the following.

1. The shapes of \(d_{xy}\), \(d_{yz}\), and \(d_{zx}\) orbitals are similar to each other ; and \(d_{x^2-y^2}\) and \(d_{z^2}\) are similar to each other.

2. All the five \(5d\) orbitals are different in size when compared to the respective \(4d\) orbitals.

3. All the five \(4d\) orbitals have shapes similar to the respective \(3d\) orbitals.

4. In an atom, all the five \(3d\) orbitals are equal in energy in free state.

Doubtly Asked 30 Oct 2026 NEET UG 2022 Practice test neet Save WhatsApp Report

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Answer: 1. The shapes of \(d_{xy}\), \(d_{yz}\), and \(d_{zx}\) orbitals are similar to each other ; and \(d_{x^2-y^2}\) and \(d_{z^2}\) are similar to each other.

Key idea: \(d_{z^2}\) has a different shape from the other four d orbitals.

\(d_{xy}, d_{yz}, d_{zx}\) and \(d_{x^2-y^2}\) are all four-lobed (clover leaf). \(d_{z^2}\) has two lobes along the z axis and a ring (doughnut) in the xy plane. So \(d_{x^2-y^2}\) and \(d_{z^2}\) are not similar, and statement (1) is incorrect.

Statements 2, 3, 4 are true: higher n means larger size with the same shapes, and the five 3d orbitals are degenerate in a free atom.

Doubtly AI · 30 Oct 2026 AI-generated · not yet verified Report

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Identify the incorrect statement from the following.

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