What is the shape of an s orbital?

The shape of an s orbital is spherical. This means that the electron density is distributed uniformly around the nucleus in all directions, creating a three-dimensional sphere. This shape arises from the wave function of electrons in the s orbital, which has a spherical symmetry.

In contrast, orbitals with different shapes exhibit distinct patterns. For example, the p orbitals are dumbbell-shaped and have a nodal plane where the probability of finding an electron is zero, while d orbitals, which follow the p orbitals in energy, usually have more complex shapes that can resemble a cloverleaf. The spherical nature of the s orbital is fundamental to the organization of atoms, as it represents the orbital type that holds the lowest energy electrons closest to the nucleus. This understanding is crucial for comprehending the overall electronic structure of elements.