Question

which of the following orbitals are degenrate 3dxy,3s,3dz square,3py

Answer 1

Dear ​Devika,

The orbitals for the value of (n + l) is equal are degenerate orbitals.
n = principal quantum No.
l= azimuthal quantum No.
For 3dxy, 3dz² Value of (n+l) is equal.
n=3 and l=2 hence they are degenerate orbitals.
While 3s has (3+0) =3 and 3py has (3+1) =4.
Degenrate orbitals are those orbitals which has equal energy and (n+l) is responsible for energy of orbitals.If two different orbitals has equal value of (n+l) like 3s and 2p both has same value for (n+l) that is 3. In such cases the orbitals which has less value for n is lower in energy.

Regards