The d_xy, d_xz, and d_yz orbitals are lower in energy than the d_z²and d_x² - _y² orbitals in an octahedral complex because these three orbitals ________ A)do not point directly at ligands. B)point directly at ligands. C)occupy larger volumes than the other two orbitals. D)are in the same plane and repel one another. E)occupy smaller volumes than the other two orbitals.

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The three orbitals (dS1U1B1xyS1U1B0, dS1U1B1xzS1U1B0, and dS1U1B1yzS1U1B0) do not point directly at ligands, which means they experience less repulsion from the ligands and are therefore lower in energy. The other two orbitals (dS1U1B1zS1U1B0S1U1P12S1S1P0S1U1B1, and dS1U1B1xS1U1B0S1U1P12S1S1P0 F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 S1U1B1yS1U1B0S1U1P12S1S1P0) point directly at the ligands, leading to more repulsion and higher energy.

The Dxy, Dxz, and Dyz Orbitals Are Lower in Energy

The D_xy, D_xz, and D_yz Orbitals Are Lower in Energy