Radial Nodes of an Orbital: Probability of Electrons

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SUMMARY

In the context of quantum mechanics, specifically regarding the 3px orbital, the probability of finding an electron at a radial node is definitively 0 for that specific orbital. However, electrons from other orbitals, such as the 2px, can still be located at that radial node. The total probability of finding an electron is calculated as the sum of individual probabilities, meaning that while the probability for the 3px electron is 0, the overall probability can still be non-zero if other orbitals contribute.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with atomic orbitals and their characteristics
  • Knowledge of probability theory in quantum contexts
  • Basic grasp of electron configuration and orbital shapes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of radial nodes in atomic orbitals
  • Study the probability density functions for different orbitals
  • Explore the implications of quantum superposition on electron probabilities
  • Learn about the mathematical formulation of quantum mechanics, including wave functions
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Students of quantum mechanics, physicists, chemists, and anyone interested in the behavior of electrons in atomic orbitals.

Tahmeed
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In a radial node of an orbital, say of 3px orbital, is the probability 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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Total probability of finding an electron is a sum of all individual probabilities. Does it help?
 
Borek said:
Total probability of finding an electron is a sum of all individual probabilities. Does it help?

So the total probability is 0 or only the probability of that orbital is 0 in a node?
 
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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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
 

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