Which orbital type corresponds to the angular momentum quantum number L = 1?

• A. s
• B. p
• C. d
• D. f

Answer: (B)

The angular momentum quantum number l determines the orbital type. It takes values 0, 1, 2, 3 corresponding to the s, p, d, and f orbitals, respectively. When l equals 1, the orbital type is p. P orbitals have a characteristic dumbbell shape and come in three orientations (along x, y, and z), reflecting the magnetic quantum number ml values of -1, 0, and +1. So L = 1 indicates a p orbital.