Which of the following represents the shape of a p orbital?

The p orbital is characterized by a distinct shape that resembles a dumbbell. This shape arises from the way that the electron probability density is distributed around the nucleus of an atom. In three-dimensional space, each p orbital consists of two lobes that extend outwards from the nucleus along one of the three axes (x, y, or z), with a node at the nucleus where the probability of finding an electron is zero. This configuration allows for the orientation of the lobes in different directions, leading to the designation of the three types of p orbitals: p_x, p_y, and p_z.

The other shapes mentioned, such as spherical, planar, and linear, do not accurately describe the p orbital. A spherical shape corresponds to the s orbitals, which are uniformly distributed in all directions around the nucleus. Planar and linear shapes do not accurately depict the three-dimensional nature of atomic orbitals and their characteristics. Understanding that p orbitals are defined by their lobular distribution is fundamental in grasping atomic structure and electron configurations in chemistry.