What is a key characteristic of the D sublevel's shape?

The D sublevel is characterized by its unique shapes, which include x-shaped orbitals. Specifically, the D sublevel features five orbitals that can be visualized as having both lobular and planar symmetry. Among these, the most recognizable are the dxy, dyz, dzx, dx²-y², and dz² orbitals, which distinctly illustrate the x-shaped orientation. This multi-lobed geometry allows for a greater number of angular nodes compared to the S and P sublevels, resulting in its complex function in bonding and molecular geometry.

Other options, such as having only spherical shapes, inaccurately describe the D sublevel since spherical shapes are characteristic of S sublevels. The idea that it has no orbitals is not valid, as the D sublevel indeed has five orbitals, and stating that it has one orbital does not reflect the nature of its structure. Therefore, the presence of x-shaped orbitals accurately captures the defining feature of the D sublevel.