The d orbital is a type of atomic orbital that can hold a maximum of ten electrons. It is part of the electron cloud surrounding an atom's nucleus and plays a crucial role in the chemical properties of transition metals. The d orbitals have a more complex shape than the simpler s and p orbitals, allowing for various orientations in three-dimensional space. There are five distinct d orbitals, labeled as dxy, dyz, dzx, dx²-y², and dz². These orbitals become significant when elements fill their electron shells, influencing bonding and the formation of chemical compounds. Understanding d orbitals is essential for studying chemistry and material science.