Question

In an atom, how many total orbitals (including orbital b) have a value of n and a shape identical to:2s²

a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

Answer 1

For any given principal quantum number n, there is only one s orbital, which is spherical in shape. Thus, the total number of orbitals with the same value of n and shape identical to the 2s orbital is 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks how many total orbitals have the same principal quantum number, n, and the same shape as the 2s orbital. Since the 2s orbital is an s orbital, which is spherical in shape and characterized by a quantum number l equal to 0, the answer depends on whether there are any other s orbitals within the same principal quantum number, n. For each value of n, there is only one s orbital because the magnetic quantum number, ml, can only have one value, which is 0. Therefore, for any given n, there is only one s orbital possible, which is spherical.