TOOL
ORBITAL VIEWER
Explore the shapes of atomic orbitals in 2D and 3D. Click a subshell type to select it, then use the tabs to see individual orbitals — each holds exactly 2 electrons (↑↓). Switch to 3D to rotate and view the full geometry.
HOW THIS CONNECTS
Orbital shapes are determined by quantum mechanical wave functions. The regions shown are where an electron has roughly 90% probability of being found. The two lobes of a p orbital represent opposite phases of the wave function — not opposite charges.
These shapes directly influence how atoms bond: s orbitals form sigma bonds head-on, p orbitals form both sigma and pi bonds, and d orbitals are responsible for the complex chemistry of transition metals.