P orbitals are a type of atomic orbital that can hold a maximum of six electrons. They have a distinct shape, resembling a dumbbell, and are oriented along three axes in space: the x, y, and z axes. Each p orbital is designated as 2p_x, 2p_y, or 2p_z, depending on its orientation. P orbitals begin to fill with electrons after the s orbitals in a given energy level. These orbitals are crucial for understanding the chemical bonding and properties of elements. They are found in the outer shells of atoms, particularly in the p-block of the periodic table, influencing how atoms interact and form molecules.