Identify the incorrect statement from the following.
- All the five 5d orbitals are different in size when compared to the respective 4d orbitals.
- All the five 4d orbitals have shapes similar to the respective 3d orbitals.
- In an atom, all the five 3d orbitals are equal in energy in free state.
- The shapes of dxy, dyz and dzx orbitals are similar to each other; and dx2-y2 and dz2 are similar to each other.
Answer
(4) The shapes of dxy, dyz and dzx orbitals are similar to each other; and dx2-y2 and dz2 are similar to each other.
Solution
(1) Size of an orbital increases with n ⇒ each 5d orbital is larger than the corresponding 4d orbital. Correct.
(2) Shape depends only on l and ml, not on n ⇒ 4d and 3d orbitals have similar shapes. Correct.
(3) In a free (isolated) atom the five 3d orbitals are degenerate. Correct.
(4) As per NCERT, dxy, dyz, dzx and dx2-y2 all have the same four-lobed (double dumb-bell) shape, while dz2 is different (dumb-bell along the z-axis with a ring in the xy-plane). So dx2-y2 and dz2 are not similar. Incorrect.
Answer: (4)