Question

The radial probability distribution curve of an orbital of 'H'has 4 local maxima .If orbital has 3 angular node then orbitalwill be​

Answer 1

The radial probability distribution curves of an orbital of H - atom has 4 local maxima. if orbital has 3 angular nodes then orbital will be

1. 7f
2. 8f
3. 7d
4. 8d

solution : since there are four local maxima, the number of radial nodes must be 3.

we know, radial nodes can be found by, n - / - 1

where n is principal quantum number and l is azimuthal quantum number.

for 7f ⇒radial nodes = 7 - 3 - 1 = 3

for 8f ⇒radial nodes = 8 - 3 - 1 = 4

for 7d ⇒radial nodes = 7 - 2 - 1 = 4

for 8d ⇒radial nodes = 8 - 2 - 1 = 5

here we see only 7f has three radial nodes. now let's see it has three angular nodes or not.

we know, angular nodes = l

for 7f ⇒azimuthal quantum number , l = 3

hence it is clear that 7f has four local maxima and its orbital has three angular nodes.