How many orbitals are in the 4p subshell?

1 Answer
Nikka C.
Oct 31, 2015

three (#p_x#, #p_y#, and #p_z#)

![http://www.chemtube3d.com/A%20Level%20orbitalshttp://-p.htm](https://useruploads.socratic.org/8ZfSQgIoTjux36VPWS3A_Alevel-porbitals.jpg)

Explanation:

It does not matter if your energy level (that is, the coefficient/number before the spdf orbital) goes as high as 7 (which is, by far, the maximum), the number of suborbitals in #p# is always three: the #p_x#, #p_y#, and #p_z#, each of which needs a maximum of two electrons of opposite spins as per the Aufbau, Hund's and Pauli exclusion principles.

Take a look at the illustration below. The number of orbitals for p did not change regardless if its #2p# or #3p#.

![http://www.chemprofessor.com/http://quantum.htm](https://useruploads.socratic.org/BELoi4XfQXyn0ehhiu89_image007.jpg)

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