Subject: Why the two lobes of p orbital have different algebraic signs?

Furthermore, the two orbital regions separated by the node have different
algebraic signs [McMurry - Organic Chemistry 7e].
As far as I know, electrons are negative and protons are positive. But in p
orbitals, the two lobes have different algebraic signs - one positive, the other
negative. I cannot understand why and how this phenomenon can happen.
Thanks :)

Response:

Re: Why the two lobes of p orbital have different algebraic signs?

Greetings,

Thanks for submitting your question about electron orbitals to the MadSci Network. 
I am pleased to let you know that questions related to yours have been answered 
on our site. Take a look at this answer : 
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/2001-04/987790973.Ch.r.html
and
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/2000-10/971992131.Ch.r.html

You can also use our search engine to locate answers containing the word(s)
bonding antibonding orbital :
http://www.madsci.org/MS_search.html

The positive and negative signs on the lobes of a p orbital are not referring to charge, 
but to the displacement of the electron wave (up or down) in the p orbital. The positive 
lobe increases the electron density on that side of the atom, whereas the negative lobe 
decreases the electron density on that side. 

Instead of a +/- sign, shading or color is usually used to avoid confusion with charge. 
Identifying the lobes of the p orbital in this way makes it simple to identify bonding and 
antibonding orbital configurations. Bonding orbital pairs have parallel displacements, 
whereas antibonding pairs have antiparallel displacements. 

If, after reviewing the previous answers, you still have a question, feel free to 
submit a new question, but please be sure to tell us that you have already 
searched the archives, along with what is not in the archives that you want to 
have additional information about, or what in the the archived answers you do 
not understand. This will help us to give you the best answer possible.

Cheers!

Steve Mack, Moderator MadSci Network

_______________________________________________________________
Furthermore, the two orbital regions separated by the node have different
algebraic signs [McMurry - Organic Chemistry 7e].
As far as I know, electrons are negative and protons are positive. But in p
orbitals, the two lobes have different algebraic signs - one positive, the other
negative. I cannot understand why and how this phenomenon can happen.
Thanks :)



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Re: Why the two lobes of p orbital have different algebraic signs?