Question

How to find the number of radial nodes in an orbital

Answer 1

Dear Student,

A node is a point where the electron probability is zero.

For a given orbital there are two types of nodes. 1) Radial node 2) Angular node Radial node is also called as nodal region. Radial node is a spherical surface where the probability of finding an electron is zero.

The number of radial nodes increase with principle quantum number (n). Angular node is also called nodal plane. Angular node is a plane that passing through the nucleus.

Angular node is equal to the azimuthal quantum number (l).

The number of angular nodes = l

The number of radial nodes = (n - l - 1) Total number of nodes = n - 1

Regards