Explore the Atomic Orbital Visualizer
See the shapes of s, p and d orbitals and rotate them in 3D. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Atomic Orbital Visualizer with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Atomic Orbital Visualizer?
See the shapes of s, p and d orbitals and rotate them in 3D. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Orbital shapes explain chemical bonding, molecular geometry and the colours of transition-metal compounds.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
An s orbital is a sphere, p orbitals are dumbbells, and d orbitals are mostly four-lobed clovers.
Each orbital holds at most two electrons.
Colours show the sign (phase) of the wave function, which matters for bonding.
Compare s, p and d.
Rotate the dxy orbital.
Count the lobes.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Atomic & Quantum learners
Advanced high-school and university students in chemistry and physics, and curious learners who want to see how the atomic world behaves.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Atomic Orbital Visualizer (s, p, d) on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Rotate the dxy orbital. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What is an orbital?
A region of space where an electron is likely to be found. Its shape comes from solving the quantum mechanical wave equation.
How many orbitals are in a p subshell?
Three (px, py, pz), each pointing along a different axis, so a p subshell holds up to six electrons.
Is the Atomic Orbital Visualizer (s, p, d) free to use?
Yes. The Atomic Orbital Visualizer (s, p, d) is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Atomic & Quantum group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Atomic Orbital Visualizer (s, p, d) work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Atomic Orbital Visualizer (s, p, d) takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 2 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Atomic Orbital Visualizer?
1. In the Atomic Orbital Visualizer (s, p, d), use the controls to change s and p, d. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Atomic Orbital Visualizer (s, p, d), pick an option such as s, px, py, pz to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Atomic Orbital Visualizer (s, p, d), press "Auto-rotate" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Compare s, p and d. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Atomic Orbital Visualizer (s, p, d) responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: An s orbital is a sphere, p orbitals are dumbbells, and d orbitals are mostly four-lobed clovers.
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Try the Atomic Orbital Visualizer now
See the shapes of s, p and d orbitals and rotate them in 3D. Free to use.
Try it free