Question

The plots of radial distribution functions for various orbitals of hydrogen atoms against $\text{'}r\text{'}$ are given below:

The correct plot for $3\mathrm{s}$ orbital is

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Answer 1

The correct option is D

The explanation for the correct option:

D:

Step 1: Given the figure

Step 2: Formula used

• The number of radical nodes can be computed using the following formula:
• $\mathrm{Radical}\mathrm{nodes}=\mathrm{n}-\mathrm{l}-1$
• Where $\mathrm{n}=$principal quantum number, $\mathrm{l}=$Azimuthal quantum number

Step 3: Compute the number of radical nodes

• It is understood that for $3s$ orbital $\mathrm{n}=3$ and $\mathrm{l}=0$. So,
• Substitute the known values in the formula, $\mathrm{Radical}\mathrm{nodes}=\mathrm{n}-\mathrm{l}-1$
• $\begin{array}{rcl}\mathrm{Radical}\mathrm{nodes}& =& 3-0-1\\ & =& 2\end{array}$
• The number of radical nodes is correctly represented in the graph of option D .

Final Answer: Hence, option (D) is the correct answer.