QuestionAtomic structure / nodes
The numbers of radial nodes, planar angular nodes and non-planar angular nodes in 3d_z², 3s and 3pₓ orbitals are
- (a) (0, 0, 2), (2, 0, 0), (1, 1, 0) respectively
- (b) (0, 2, 0), (2, 0, 0), (1, 1, 0) respectively
- (c) (2, 0, 0), (2, 0, 0), (0, 1, 1) respectively
- (d) (0, 2, 0), (0, 2, 0), (1, 1, 0) respectively
Answer: (a) (0, 0, 2), (2, 0, 0), (1, 1, 0) respectively
Radial nodes = n − l − 1; angular nodes = l. 3d_z²: radial 3−2−1 = 0; its two angular nodes are cones (non-planar), so (0, 0, 2). 3s: radial 2, no angular node → (2, 0, 0). 3pₓ: radial 1, one nodal plane (yz) → (1, 1, 0). → (a). Remember: d_z² is the only d orbital whose angular nodes are not planes.