Question

The radii of maximum probability for 3s, 3p and 3d electrons are in the order:

• A. $(r_{max}{)}_{3d}>(r_{max}{)}_{3p}>\left(r_{max}{)}_{3s}\right)$
• B. $(r_{max}{)}_{3d}>(r_{max}{)}_{3s}>\left(r_{max}{)}_{3p}\right)$
• C. $(r_{max}{)}_{3s}>(r_{max}{)}_{3p}>\left(r_{max}{)}_{3d}\right)$
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is C $(r_{max}{)}_{3s}>(r_{max}{)}_{3p}>\left(r_{max}{)}_{3d}\right)$

Radius of maximum probability is inversely propotional to azimuthal quantum number $l$. The value of $l$ for s, p and d orbitals are 0, 1 and 2 respectively.
Hence, option c is correct.