Question

The correct statement regarding the $4p_y$ orbital is:

• A. The number of maxima when a curve is plotted between $4\pi r^2{R}^2\left(r\right)$ vs $r$ is $3$
• B. Number of spherical nodes is $3$
• C. $xz$ plane acts as a nodal plane
• D. Magnetic quantum number must be $-1$

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

$xz$ plane acts as a nodal plane

The number of spherical nodes $=n-l-1$ and the number of nodal plane $=l$
For $4p_y$ orbital, the number of spherical nodes $=4-l-1=2$ and the number of nodal plane $=l=1$
So, $xz$ plane is the only single nodal plane for $4p_y$.
The magnetic quantum number for $4p_y$ may be $+1,0,-1$.
Two nodes and hence three maxima are obtained when a curve is plotted between $4\pi r^2{R}^2\left(r\right)$ vs $r$.