Question

The pair of orbitals with electron density maximum along the axes is

• A. \(d_{xy}, d_{yz}\)
• B. \(d_{z^2}, d_{x^2-y^2}\)
• C. \(d_{xz}, d_{z^2}\)
• D. \(d_{xz}, p_z\)

Hint:

Remember: \(d_{x^2-y^2}\) and \(d_{z^2}\) are axial \(d\)-orbitals, while \(d_{xy}, d_{yz}, d_{xz}\) lie between axes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: In \(d\)-orbitals, some orbitals have electron density along the axes and some have electron density between the axes.

Step 1: The orbitals \(d_{xy}, d_{yz}\), and \(d_{xz}\) have electron density between the axes.

Step 2: The orbital \(d_{x^2-y^2}\) has electron density along the \(x\)-axis and \(y\)-axis.

Step 3: The orbital \(d_{z^2}\) has electron density mainly along the \(z\)-axis.

Step 4: Therefore, the pair of orbitals having maximum electron density along the axes is: \[ d_{z^2}, d_{x^2-y^2} \] Hence, \[ \boxed{d_{z^2}, d_{x^2-y^2}} \]