Question

The number of given orbitals which have electron density along the axis is _____ $p _x, p _y, p _z, d _{x y}, d _{y z}, d _{x z}, d _z 2, d _x{ }^2-y^2$

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 5

The correct answer is 5

The orbitals \( p_{x}, p_{y}, p_{z}, d_{z^{2}}, \) and \( d_{x^{2}-y^{2}} \) are considered axial orbitals. The \( p \)-orbitals, such as \( p_{x}, p_{y}, \) and \( p_{z} \), have their lobes aligned along the x, y, and z axes, respectively. 

These are termed as axial orbitals since they lie along the axis of symmetry of a molecule. The \( d \)-orbitals, specifically \( d_{z^{2}} \) and \( d_{x^{2}-y^{2}} \), also align with the axis of symmetry and are part of the axial set, which directly participate in bonding along the principal axis in a molecule.