Orbitals in general chemistry, Part II: Mathematical Realities

Abstract

In Part II of a three-part series, we discuss two factors absent from textbooks of general chemistry that are important in a discussion of teaching orbitals. First, atomic orbitals are shown systematically to comprise algebraic formulae in coordinates of not one but four sets (spherical polar, paraboloidal, ellipsoidal, spheroconical coordinates). Each formula has its corresponding shape as a surface of constant amplitude; some visual examples are provided. Second, the argument that molecular structure is incompatible with quantum mechanics is presented. Despite the utility of orbitals as mathematical functions in various calculations, they are intrinsically complicated for the traditional purpose of qualitative explanation of molecular structure.