For a 3p orbital, how many radial nodes are present?

• A. 0
• B. 1
• C. 2
• D. 3

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the number of radial nodes in an atomic orbital is given by the formula: \(\text{Number of radial nodes} = n - l - 1\), where \(n\) is the principal quantum number and \(l\) is the azimuthal (angular momentum) quantum number.
2. Identify the quantum numbers for the given orbital: For a 3p orbital, \(n = 3\) (since it is the third energy level) and \(l = 1\) (since \(l = 0\) corresponds to s, \(l = 1\) to p, \(l = 2\) to d, etc.).
3. Substitute the values into the formula: \(\text{Number of radial nodes} = 3 - 1 - 1\).
4. Simplify the expression to find the number of radial nodes: \$3 - 1 - 1 = 1$.
5. Conclude that a 3p orbital has 1 radial node.