Question

The number of radial node(s) for the valence orbital of U(III) ion is _______ (in integer). (Given: Atomic number of U is 92)

Hint:

Radial nodes depend only on \(n\) and \(l\): \(n-l-1\). Angular nodes depend only on \(l\) (equal to \(l\)).

Answer 1

Step 1: Electronic configuration. Neutral U: \([Rn]\ 5f^3\,6d^1\,7s^2\). For U(III), remove three electrons ⇒ \([Rn]\ 5f^3\). Thus the valence orbital is \(5f\).
Step 2: Radial nodes formula. For an orbital \(n,l\): \(\text{(radial nodes)}=n-l-1\). For \(5f\): \(n=5,\ l=3\).
Step 3: Compute. \(5-3-1=1\). Hence the number of radial nodes is 1.