Why are atoms usually portrayed as spheres when most orbitals are not spherically shaped?

Question

Macey George

Chemistry

11 January, 02:10

Why are atoms usually portrayed as spheres when most orbitals are not spherically shaped?

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Taryn Glover · Answer 1

It is because the orbitals take up a little portion of the atom. The most dense area of the atom is the nucleus which contains the protons and the neutrons. Although it is very small, the mass is concentrated in this part. So, even if the orbitals are not spherical, it does not matter because the nucleus is spherical.