One way to describe the shape of atomic orbitals of H–atom is in terms of the nodal surfaces, or nod — Analytical Chemistry Chemistry Question
Atomic Orbitals
One way to describe the shape of atomic orbitals of H–atom is in terms of the nodal surfaces, or nodes, where the electron has zero probability. According to wave mechanics, the number of nodes increases as n increases. For given set of orbitals nlm, there are “n – l – 1” spherical nodes, “l” angular nodes.
Describe the electron probability distribution for the 1s, 2s and 3s orbitals. How many nodes does each orbital have, respectively?
Model Answer
1s: 0, 2s: 1 and 3s: 2.
Describe the electron probability distribution for the 2pz and 3pz orbitals. How many nodes does each orbital have, respectively?
Model Answer
2pz , 3pz
There is one angular node for 2pz; one angular node and one spherical node for 3pz.
Imagine that you are travelling along the z axis, beginning your journey at a distance far from the nucleus on the z axis, passing through the nucleus to a distant point on the –z axis. How many nodal surfaces would you pass through for each of the following orbitals: 1s, 2s, 3s, 2pz and 3pz.
Model Answer
(0, 2, 4, 1, 3)