[Campbell Biology P.84] Based on the text and Figure 2.8 b , which statement accurately des... | Practice Question

Based on the text and Figure 2.8 b , which statement accurately describes electron orbitals?

  • A: The first electron shell contains only one spherical 1s orbital, while the second shell contains one spherical 2s orbital and three dumbbell-shaped 2p orbitals.
  • B: All s orbitals are dumbbell-shaped, and all p orbitals are spherical.
  • C: Each electron orbital can hold a maximum of 8 electrons.
  • D: The three 2p orbitals are oriented randomly in space.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'The first electron shell has only one spherical s orbital called 1s , but the second shell has four orbitals: one large spherical s orbital called 2s and three dumbbell-shaped p orbitals called 2p orbitals .'