Which quantum number represents the shape of an orbital?

The azimuthal quantum number is fundamentally related to the shape of an orbital. This quantum number, often denoted as "l," determines the subshell of the electron within an atom and defines the angular momentum of the electron. Each value of the azimuthal quantum number corresponds to a specific type of orbital: for instance, an "l" value of 0 corresponds to an s orbital (spherical shape), "l" of 1 corresponds to a p orbital (dumbbell shape), "l" of 2 corresponds to a d orbital (clover-shaped), and "l" of 3 corresponds to an f orbital (more complex shapes).

Understanding this allows chemists to visualize how electrons are likely to be distributed around the nucleus, which is crucial for predicting chemical bonding and reactivity. Therefore, the azimuthal quantum number is the key to understanding orbital shapes in quantum chemistry.