The Basics of Orbital Diagrams. There are different types of orbitals, that all have different energy levels. These orbitals are filled with electrons (the amount of electrons depends on which element you are looking at).; S orbitals make up 1 box, and contain a max of 2 electrons ; P orbitals make up 3 boxes, and contain a max of 6 electrons total (2 in each box). An orbital diagram, like those shown above, is a visual way to reconstruct the electron configuration by showing each of the separate orbitals and the spins on the electrons. This is done by first determining the subshell (s,p,d, or f) then drawing in each electron according to the stated rules above.

Steps for Constructing an Orbital Diagram Atomic Orbital Diagrams. Beginning with your selected element, determine the atomic number. Once the atomic number has been identified, write the electron configuration. As an example, we will use Argon, whose atomic number is 18 and electron configuration is 1s 2 2s 2 2p 6 3s 2 3p 6.. A p orbital which extends along the x axis is labeled a p x orbital. A p orbital along the y axis is labeled p y and one along the z axis is a p z orbital. Below are dot density diagrams, boundary surface diagrams, and a rotating image. Using the moving images, it is easy to see that the only difference between the 2p orbitals is their.