Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Structure of Atom

Question:

A 3p-orbital has:

Options:

two spherical nodes

two non-spherical nodes

one spherical and one non-spherical node

one spherical and two non-spherical node

Correct Answer:

one spherical and one non-spherical node

Explanation:

The correct answer is option 3. one spherical and one non-spherical node.

A 3p-orbital is a type of atomic orbital that describes the probability distribution of finding an electron in a three-dimensional space around the nucleus of an atom. The orbital is characterized by three quantum numbers: the principal quantum number \((n)\), the azimuthal quantum number \((l)\), and the magnetic quantum number \((m_l)\).

For a 3p-orbital:

The principal quantum number \((n)\) is 3, which indicates that the orbital is in the third energy level (shell) of the atom.

The azimuthal quantum number \((l)\) is 1, which indicates a p-subshell. The value of \(l\) defines the shape of the orbital.

The magnetic quantum number \((m_l)\) can take integer values from \(-l\) to \(+l\). For the 3p-orbital, m_l can take values of -1, 0, and +1.

Now, let's discuss the nodes in a 3p-orbital:

1. Spherical Node (Radial Node):
A spherical node is a region in space where the probability of finding an electron is zero along the radial direction from the nucleus. In other words, it represents a region where the electron density goes through zero, and it forms a spherical surface within the orbital. For a 3p-orbital, there is one spherical node.

The radial part of the wave function for a 3p-orbital has a node at r = 0, where r is the distance from the nucleus. This node is spherical in shape.

2. Non-spherical Node (Planar Node):
A non-spherical node, also known as a planar node, is a region where the probability of finding an electron is zero along a specific plane perpendicular to the axis of the dumbbell-shaped orbital. For a 3p-orbital, there is one non-spherical node.

The angular part of the wave function for a 3p-orbital has a planar node perpendicular to the axis of the dumbbell shape. This node separates the two lobes of the orbital.

In summary, a 3p-orbital has one spherical node and one non-spherical (planar) node. The spherical node is located at the nucleus, and the non-spherical node separates the two lobes of the orbital. This information is crucial in understanding the spatial distribution of electrons in atoms and molecules, as it determines the electron density and chemical properties of elements.