Question

How are s orbitals different from p orbitals?

Answer 1

To solve this question first we have to understand the term orbitals. Orbitals are 3 dimensional space around the nucleus where the probability of finding an electron is maximum.

Complete answer:
Difference between s and p orbitals is mentioned below-

S orbitals	P orbitals
The s orbitals are atomic orbitals and the shape of s orbital is spherical.	The p orbital is also an atomic orbital and the shape of p orbital is dumbbell shape.
S orbitals have the lowest energy levels.	The energy levels of p orbitals are higher as compared to that of p orbitals.
There are no angular nodes in s orbitals.	Angular nodes are present in the p orbitals.
The maximum number of electrons which can be present in the s orbital is 2.	The maximum number of electrons which can be present in the p orbital is 6.
There are no sub orbitals present in the s orbital.	P orbitals have 3 sub orbitals.
The value of angular momentum quantum number for s orbitals is 0.	The value of angular momentum quantum number for s orbitals is 1.
There are no lobed present in the s orbitals.	There are lobes present in the p orbital.

The shape of s and p orbitals is shown below:

Note:
Do not get confused between the term orbit and orbitals. Both orbit and orbitals have different meanings as we know that orbitals are 3 dimensional space around the nucleus where the probability of finding an electron is maximum and orbits are the well-defined circular paths in which electrons revolve.