Which of the following statements accurately describes the nodal geometry of the orbital? — Atomic Structure Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Unlike other $d$ orbitals which have two nodal planes, the $d_{z^2}$ orbital has a unique shape with a central torus (doughnut). It possesses zero planar nodes (nodal planes) but instead has two conical nodes (nodal cones) situated above and below the $xy$ -plane.