Questions: What is FALSE about the three orbitals in the 2 p sublevel? The orbitals have the same dumbbell-like shape. The orbitals have similar, but different energies. The orbitals are the same distance away from the nucleus. The orbitals are each oriented in a different direction. Each orbital can hold two electrons with opposite spins.

Solution Steps

The \(2p\) sublevel consists of three orbitals: \(2p_x\), \(2p_y\), and \(2p_z\). These orbitals have specific characteristics:

1. Shape: All three orbitals have the same dumbbell-like shape.
2. Energy: In a hydrogen atom, all orbitals in the same sublevel have the same energy. However, in multi-electron atoms, the energies can be slightly different due to electron-electron interactions and other effects.
3. Distance from the Nucleus: The orbitals in the same sublevel are generally considered to be at the same average distance from the nucleus.
4. Orientation: Each orbital is oriented in a different direction in space (along the x, y, and z axes).
5. Electron Capacity: Each orbital can hold up to two electrons with opposite spins.

Given the properties of the \(2p\) orbitals, we need to identify which statement is false:

• "The orbitals have the same dumbbell-like shape." This is true.
• "The orbitals have similar, but different energies." This is generally false for hydrogen but can be true for multi-electron atoms due to slight energy differences.
• "The orbitals are the same distance away from the nucleus." This is true in terms of average distance.
• "The orbitals are each oriented in a different direction." This is true.
• "Each orbital can hold two electrons with opposite spins." This is true.

The statement "The orbitals have similar, but different energies" is false for hydrogen atoms, where all \(2p\) orbitals have the same energy. However, in multi-electron atoms, this statement can be true.

Final Answer