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Electron orbitals that are shaped like spears are called

A) S orbitals
B) P orbitals
C) D orbitals
D) F orbitals

User Andromida
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Final answer:

Electron orbitals shaped like spears are called P orbitals and are part of the p subshell (option B). These Bowtie Shaped orbitals are oriented in three different directions within the three-dimensional space around the nucleus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The electron orbitals that are shaped like spears are known as P orbitals. Electron orbitals have varying shapes which correspond to different subshells within an atom. Specifically:

  • The s subshell contains one spherical orbital, called an s orbital.
  • The p subshell consists of three orbitals that have a Bowtie Shape, and these are the p orbitals.
  • The d subshell encompasses five orbitals with more complex shapes; they are described as rosettes with one of them having a Bowtie Shape + torus configuration, rather than being shaped like spears.
  • The f subshell includes even more intricate orbitals which are not shaped like spears either.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question about electron orbitals shaped like spears is B) P orbitals.

User Antoine Cotten
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