QuestionAtomic structure / wave functions
Consider the following statements regarding radial and total angular function of H-atom:
- The radial function R(r) depends on the quantum number \(n\) and \(l\)
- The total angular function depends only on the direction and is independent of the distance from the nucleus (r)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
ψ = R(r)·Y(θ,φ). 1 ✔ The radial part R(r) depends on n and l (e.g. R₂₀ ≠ R₂₁). 2 ✔ The angular part Y(θ,φ) depends only on direction (l, m), not on r. Both correct → (c). Remember: radial nodes = n − l − 1; angular nodes = l.