Question

Number of nodal planes (planes of zero electron density) in the $d_{xy}$ orbital is:

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 0.0
• D. 4

Answer 1

The correct option is B 2

In $d_{xy}$ orbital, electron density is distributed in 4 lobes which are oriented between X and Y axis. Therefore, it has minimum electron density along X-Y axis from where we can pass two nodal planes XZ and YZ.