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ExamsJEE AdvancedPhysics

For principal quantum number n = 4, how many non-spherical orbitals have at least two maxima in their radial probability distribution function (plotted as 4*pi*r² * |R(r)|² versus r)?

  1. 6
  2. 8
  3. 9
  4. 3

Correct answer: 8

Solution

The number of maxima in the radial probability distribution is (n - l). For n=4, non-spherical orbitals with at least 2 maxima: 4p (l=1, 3 maxima, 3 orbitals) and 4d (l=2, 2 maxima, 5 orbitals). 4f has only 1 maximum and does not qualify. Total = 3 + 5 = 8.

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