Question

The electrons are more likely to be found :

• A. only in the region a
• B. in the region a and c
• C. only in the region c
• D. in the region a and b

Hint:

Probability density is \(\psi^2\), not \(\psi\). It is large wherever \(|\psi|\) is large, whether positive or negative, and zero at a node.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The graph shows \(\psi(x)\) vs x: region a has a positive maximum, region c has a negative minimum, and b is the node where \(\psi = 0\).
The probability of finding the electron is proportional to \(\psi^2\) (always positive).
At a and c, \(|\psi|\) is large so \(\psi^2\) is large; the negative sign of \(\psi\) in c is irrelevant.
At b, \(\psi = 0\), so the probability is zero.
Electrons are therefore most likely in regions a and c.
Answer: (2) in the region a and c