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Why do d orbitals have the lowest symmetry?

A) Due to their shape
B) Due to their size
C) Due to their orientation
D) Due to their energy levels

User Atif Zia
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

D orbitals have the lowest symmetry due to their complex orientation in space, with their unique shapes not aligning along primary axes unlike spherically symmetrical s orbitals and bell-shaped p orbitals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question 'Why do d orbitals have the lowest symmetry?' can be answered by identifying the correct aspect contributing to the unique symmetry of d orbitals. Among the options provided, the correct answer is C) Due to their orientation. The d orbitals are known for having complex shapes and orientations that contribute to their lower symmetry compared to the and p orbitals. In particular, the five d orbitals are described as a rosette in shape, except the dz2, characterized by a 'bell + torus' combination. Unlike the spherically symmetrical s orbitals or the bell-shaped p orbitals which lie along the x, y, and z axes, d orbitals have orientations that are not aligned along the primary axes, contributing to their unique symmetry characteristics.

User Gnat
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