Question

How many radial nodes does a 5s orbital have ?

Answer 1

Radial nodes

• It is a spherical surface where the probability of finding electron is zero.
• Formula for Radial node is $\left(\mathrm{n}-\mathrm{l}-1\right)$.
• Here $\mathrm{n}$ is the principal quantum number and $\mathrm{l}$ is azimuthal quantum number.

Number of Radial Nodes in 5s:

• The value of $\mathrm{n}$ for $5\mathrm{s}$ orbital is $5$.
• The value of $\mathrm{l}$ for $5\mathrm{s}$ is $0$(the value of $\mathrm{l}$ for, $\mathrm{s}=0,\mathrm{p}=1,\mathrm{d}=2,\mathrm{and}\mathrm{f}=4$).
• Therefore, number of radial nodes in $5\mathrm{s}$ orbital have $=\mathrm{n}-\mathrm{l}-1=5-0-1=4$.

Hence, 5s orbital have 4 radial nodes.