Question

Problems: 1-How many nodes would you expect to find when n=3? Where would you expect the maxima to be (psi)? 2- What is the minimum n value where you could start finding (psi) with a value < 0? 3-What is the minimum n value where you could start finding (psi)^2 with a value < 0?

Answer 1

1. Radial node=n-l-1, angular node=l

so total nodes= radial+angular nodes=n-l-1+l= n-1= 3-1=2

so total nodes is 2 and we know In 3s orbital, n=3 and l=0 (bcz for s orbital l value=0)

For 3s Orbital, there are 3 regions of high probability separated by 2 nodes. first two peaks indicates the penetration of electrons and third peak is the most probable distance (maxima)for 3s electron.so maxima lies in peak of curve that is third highest peak

there is a plot of radial probability distribution function 4r²R² and distance from the nucleus (r) as shown below figure: