Question

The probability of finding out an electron at a point within an atom is proportional to the :

• A. Square of the orbital wave function i,e,${\psi }^2$
• B. Orbital wave function i.e.$\psi$
• C. Hamiltonian operator i.e.H
• D. Principal quantum number i.e.n

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Square of the orbital wave function i,e,${\psi }^2$

Orbital wave function $\psi$ is a mathematical function for an atomic orbital.

The square of the wave function, ${\psi }^2$ is called probability density and is always positive. Its value defines the probability of finding the electron around nucleus.

Hamiltonian operator $H$ is an operator corresponding to the total energy of the system as $H\psi =E\psi$

Principal quantum number defines the shell and majorly governs the energy and size of the orbital. It is one of the solution obtained from $\psi$.