Question

The energy of an electron of $2p_y$ orbital is:

• A. greater than $2p_x$ orbital
• B. less than $2p_z$ orbital
• C. equal to $2s$ orbital
• D. same as that of $2p_x$ and $2p_z$ orbitals

Answer 1

The correct option is D same as that of $2p_x$ and $2p_z$ orbitals

The energy of an electron depends on $(n+l)$ value and not on $m$ values.

The energy of an electron of $2p_y$ orbital is same as that of $2p_x$ and $2p_z$ orbitals. These orbitals are degenerate.
Note: When orbitals have the same value of principal and azimuthal quantum numbers, they have the same energy.

Hence, the correct option is $\text{D}$