p-orbital
What p-orbital means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of p-orbital
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain p-orbital in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Dumbbell-shaped, with two lobes on opposite sides of the nucleus and a nodal plane through the nucleus where electron density is zero.
Topics that use p-orbital
- Electron structure (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Atomic orbital
- Atomic orbitals
- Cations lose electrons, anions gain electrons
- Distinguishing capacity from filling order
- Electron capacity of s-, p- and d-sub-shells
- Electron configuration
- Fixed number of orbitals per sub-shell
- Ion electron configurations
Using p-orbital in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Chemistry questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge