A Model for Illustrating d Orbitals This model illmtrates the directional properties of the d orbitals. The z, y, and z Cartesian axes are visunlised as coming out the centers of the faces of the cube. The pegs coming out of the cube faces are painted the same color; they represent both the Cartesian axes and the d,z-v2 and di2 orbitals (the e, orbitals). The pegs coming from the cube edges are painted a. second color and represent the 13, orbitals d , d and d ) The three possible electron ocouparley situations of filled, half filled, and empty orbitals can he e a d y illustrated by using plain corks, a. band of colored tape on the cork or by removing the cork, respectively. Alternatively, maptacks (See THIS JOURNAL, 38, 606 (1961)) can be used to represent electrons. Such a model helps to emphasize that half filled and filled sets of d orhitals give the atom spherics1 symmetry.
EMORYUNIYERSITY
WII~UR L.BAKER
ATLANTA,GEORGIA30322
Volume 45, Number 2, Februory 1968
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