Question:

The graph between \(|\psi|^2\) and r (radial distance) is shown below. This represents :

Show Hint

Count radial nodes (n - l - 1) and note that |psi|^2 is non-zero at r = 0 only for s orbitals.
Updated On: Nov 5, 2026
  • 3s orbital
  • 2s orbital
  • 2p orbital
  • 1s orbital
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The curve starts at a non-zero (maximum) value at r = 0, so the orbital is an s orbital (p orbitals have \(|\psi|^2=0\) at the nucleus).
The curve falls to zero once (one radial node) and then rises to a second smaller maximum before decaying.
Number of radial nodes = \(n-l-1\). One node with \(l=0\) gives \(n=2\).
1s has no node and 3s has two nodes. So the graph is of the 2s orbital.
Answer: (2) 2s orbital
Was this answer helpful?
0
0