Match the staments 1 to three with a to d.

Question

1. They have the same shape
2. The maximum number of electrons is the same.
3. They are in the same energy level. 

 

    a. 5s and 6s orbitals   b. 3p and 4p orbitals

    c. 3s and 4s sublevels  d. 2s and 2p orbitals 

Answer 1

All s orbitals have a spherical shape. Sets of p orbitals are a criss-crossing set of three "dumbbell" shaped lobes. A single p orbital can have a maximum of 2 electrons. A set of p orbitals or a complete sublevel such as the 3p sublevel can have a maximum of 6 (2 times 3) electrons.

 

SO, you could probably say that statement #1 is true for a and b. Possibly c as well. However, a sublevel doesn't have a shape, an orbital has a shape. Statement #1 is definitely false for d.

 

Statement #2: Remember that any single orbital can have a maximum of two electrons. The s sublevel, such as a 3s sublevel has only one orbital, so a maximum of two electrons. It should be true for a, b and c, however, the question wording is a bit goofy with all the "and's"

 

Statement #3: The energy level is given by the number in the orbital's designation, so Statement #3 is true only for d.

 

The wording in the question is a little funny. I would draw pictures if we were discussing this in person! I would also want to see your textbook and class notes.