Question

Assertion: The plots of the probability density and the radial probability function versus distance $r$ from the nucleus for any particular orbital are not identical.

Reason: Probability density is ${\psi }^2$ whereas radial probability function represents the probability of finding electrons in a shell of thickness $dr$.

• A. Both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
• B. Both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
• C. The assertion is true but the reason is false.
• D. Both the assertion and the reason are false.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Both the plots are not identical. The probability density $\left({\psi }^2\right)$ is along the radial distance whereas the radial probability function $\left(4\pi r^2{\psi }^2\right)$ is the probability in a shell of thickness $dr$.
Hence, the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.