Question

What do you understand by radial probability distribution? Draw radial probability
distribution curves for an orbital with n= 3 and 1 = 0. What information does this provide?​

Answer 1

Answer:

Since n = 3 and l = 1 for the given atomic orbital (3p orbital), the number of radial nodes = 3-1-1 = 1.

Hence the radial probability distribution curve should contain a trough representing a radial node.

There are two graphs showing this behavior. The correct one is option-3 since the position of principal maximum (largest peak) occurs at a greater distance. I mean the crest with greater height should be farther away from the nucleus when compared to the smaller