Which type of orbital is characterized by a radial distribution function with two radial nodes?

• A. 3s orbital
• B. 2s orbital
• C. 2p orbital
• D. 3d orbital

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the number of radial nodes in an atomic orbital is given by the formula: number of radial nodes = n - l - 1, where n is the principal quantum number and l is the azimuthal (angular momentum) quantum number.
2. Identify the quantum numbers for each orbital option: For s orbitals, l = 0; for p orbitals, l = 1; for d orbitals, l = 2. The principal quantum number n corresponds to the number before the letter (e.g., 3 for 3s).
3. Calculate the number of radial nodes for each orbital using the formula: For example, for a 3s orbital, n = 3 and l = 0, so radial nodes = 3 - 0 - 1.
4. Compare the calculated number of radial nodes for each orbital to find which one has exactly two radial nodes.
5. Conclude that the orbital with two radial nodes corresponds to the one where the calculation matches 2, which is the 3s orbital.