A p orbital is a type of atomic orbital that can hold a maximum of six electrons. It is shaped like a dumbbell and is oriented along three axes: x, y, and z. Each of these orientations is referred to as a separate p orbital, designated as p_x, p_y, and p_z. P orbitals are found in the second energy level and higher, starting from the 2p subshell. They play a crucial role in the chemical bonding of atoms, particularly in the formation of covalent bonds where electrons are shared between atoms.