On the Problem of the Exact Shape of Orbitals

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 8 Issue 2 (2003) pp 96-101

On the Problem of the Exact Shape of Orbitals

Enrique Peacock-López

Department of Chemistry, Williams College, Williamstown, MA 01267, epeacock@williams.edu
Received August 10, 2002. Accepted September 18, 2002

Published online: 4 March 2003

Abstract. To explain the inconsistency in the representation of the orbital in many textbooks, we considered the contour and polar representation of dz²orbitals. Most introductory textbooks use the polar representation in their discussions, but the dz² orbitals seems to be the most misrepresented orbital. In particular it is represented with a “lifesaver’’ middle section. We argue that this shape belongs to the contour representation and is inconsistent with the polar representation.

Key Words: In the Classroom; physical chemistry; quantum

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: epeacock@williams.edu)

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