Question

The correct order of total number of nodes of atomic orbitals is:

• A. $4f>6s>5d$
• B. $6s>4d>5f$
• C. $5p>3d>4s$
• D. $6s>5p>4d$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $6s>5p>4d$

Total number of nodes is given by the sum of radial nodes and angular nodes.
We know that, $\text{angular node}=l$
$\text{radial node}=n-l-1$
$\therefore \text{Total nodes}=l+n-l-1=n-1$
Here, $6s,5p$ and $4d$ have $5,4$ and $3$ total number of nodes respectively.
Hence the correct order is: $6s>5p>4d$