Radial Nodes of an Orbital: Probability of Electrons

In summary, the total probability of finding an electron in a specific orbital is the sum of all individual probabilities, including the probability of finding an electron from another orbital in a radial node. This means that the total probability is not necessarily zero and can be calculated by adding up all the individual probabilities.
  • #1
Tahmeed
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In a radial node of an orbital, say of 3px orbital, is the probablity for finding the 3px electron there is 0 but an electron of another orbital, say 2px, can be found there, OR the chance of finding electron of any orbital in a node of a certain orbital is 0?
 
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  • #2
Total probability of finding an electron is a sum of all individual probabilities. Does it help?
 
  • #3
Borek said:
Total probability of finding an electron is a sum of all individual probabilities. Does it help?

So the total probablity is 0 or only the probablity of that orbital is 0 in a node?
 
  • #4
If you sum zero and something that is not zero, do you get zero, or something different from zero?

In other words: 1+0 is 0, or 1?
 
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Likes Tahmeed
  • #5
Borek said:
If you sum zero and something that is not zero, do you get zero, or something different from zero?

In other words: 1+0 is 0, or 1?
Got it.. thanks
 

1. What are radial nodes and what do they represent?

Radial nodes are regions within an atomic orbital where there is zero probability of finding an electron. They represent the distance from the nucleus at which the electron has a zero probability of being found.

2. How do you calculate the number of radial nodes in an orbital?

The number of radial nodes in an orbital can be calculated by subtracting 1 from the principal quantum number (n). For example, an orbital with n=3 will have 2 radial nodes.

3. What is the relationship between the number of radial nodes and energy level?

The number of radial nodes in an orbital is directly related to the energy level of the electron. As the energy level increases, the number of radial nodes also increases.

4. How does the number of radial nodes affect the shape of an orbital?

The number of radial nodes determines the shape of an orbital. Orbitals with a higher number of radial nodes have a more complex shape, while those with fewer radial nodes have a simpler shape.

5. What is the significance of the probability of electrons in radial nodes?

The probability of finding an electron in a radial node is zero, which means that electrons cannot exist at that specific distance from the nucleus. This information is important in understanding the behavior and properties of atoms and molecules.

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