Which statement best describes degenerate orbitals?

Degenerate orbitals are defined as orbitals that have the same energy level. This typically occurs within the same subshell of an electron configuration. For example, in the p subshell, the three orbitals (2p_x, 2p_y, and 2p_z) are degenerate because they all have the same energy in a given electronic environment, such as in a free atom.

The statement that these orbitals are in the same row aligns with this understanding, as all orbitals of a given type (like p or d) across the same principal energy level are degenerate and located within the same electronic shell. This is crucial when interpreting electronic configurations and understanding how electrons fill these orbitals according to the principles of quantum mechanics and Hund's rule.

Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the relationship between energy and subshells, providing a foundation for understanding how electrons are distributed in atoms.