NEET Chemistry: Shapes of s p and d orbitals Practice Questions
15 free multiple-choice questions on Shapes of s p and d orbitals (Atomic Structure) for NEET Chemistry, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation. Attempt a question, then reveal the solution to check your reasoning.
Practice thousands more NEET questions in the app →Q1. Which of the following orbitals has a spherical shape?
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Correct answer: A — s orbital
The s orbital is spherical in shape, regardless of the principal quantum number (n).
Q2. The relationship between the azimuthal quantum number (l) and the shape of an orbital is:
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Correct answer: B — l=0 corresponds to spherical shape
l=0 corresponds to s orbital (spherical), l=1 corresponds to p orbital (dumbbell), and l=2 corresponds to d orbital (more complex/cloverleaf).
Q3. Which of the following orbital shapes is perfectly spherical?
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Correct answer: A — s orbital
The s orbital is spherical in shape, meaning it has no angular dependence, unlike the directional shapes of p and d orbitals.
Q4. The energy level ordering for the s, p, and d subshells is generally:
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Correct answer: A — s < p < d
In the context of energy levels for the same principal quantum number (n), the energy ordering is based on the specific quantum numbers, but for typical n values, the general trend is that s is lower than p, and p is lower than d (or the relationship depends on the specific atomic context, but s is the lowest energy shape). For standard ordering based on energy progression, s < p < d.
Q5. Which orbital shape is spherical in nature?
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Correct answer: D — s orbital
The s orbital has a spherical shape, meaning it has no angular dependence, which is the defining characteristic of the s orbital shape.
Q6. Which orbital shape has two lobes separated by a nodal plane?
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Correct answer: D — d orbital
The d orbital shape involves two lobes separated by a nodal plane, giving it a more complex structure compared to the simple spherical s orbital.
Q7. The shapes of the s, p, and d orbitals are respectively:
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Correct answer: B — Sphere, Dumbbell, Cloverleaf
s orbital is spherical, p orbitals are dumbbell-shaped, and d orbitals are more complex (typically cloverleaf).
Q8. In terms of nodal planes, how many nodal planes are present in a 2p orbital?
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Correct answer: B — 0
For a p orbital (l=1), the number of nodal planes is l-1 = 1-1 = 0.
Q9. Which of the following is true regarding the number of lobes in a d orbital?
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Correct answer: C — It has 4 lobes
A d orbital has 4 lobes (corresponding to the four spatial orientations), which contributes to its complex shape.
Q10. The d orbital in a multi-electron atom is typically described by which geometric shape?
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Correct answer: C — Cloverleaf/Four-leaf clover
d orbitals possess a complex shape, often described as cloverleaf or four-leaf clover, due to the combination of angular momentum and shielding effects.
Q11. The d orbitals are characterized by which type of shape?
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Correct answer: B — Two-lobed (or Cloverleaf)
d orbitals have more complex shapes, typically described as cloverleaf or two-lobed shapes, resulting from the angular momentum interactions.
Q12. In the set of p orbitals, what is the spatial relationship between any two different p orbitals (e.g., pₓ and p_y)?
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Correct answer: C — They are mutually perpendicular
The three p orbitals (pₓ, p_y, p_z) are mutually orthogonal, meaning they are mutually perpendicular to each other, defining the three spatial directions.
Q13. Which orbital has a spherical shape in three-dimensional space?
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Correct answer: B — s orbital
The s orbital is fundamentally spherical in shape, representing a single angular momentum direction.
Q14. How many lobes does a p orbital possess?
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Correct answer: D — 3
A p orbital consists of three distinct lobes, corresponding to the three spatial dimensions (x, y, z).
Q15. The p orbital is characterized by which type of nodal plane?
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Correct answer: A — One nodal plane
A p orbital has one nodal plane, which passes through the nucleus, dividing the space into two regions (e.g., pₓ and p_y).
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