Question:easy

The number of radial nodes and angular nodes of a \(4f\)-orbital are respectively

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For any orbital: \[ \text{Total nodes}=n-1 \] \[ \text{Radial nodes}=n-l-1 \] \[ \text{Angular nodes}=l \]
Updated On: Jun 15, 2026
  • \(0,\,3\)
  • \(1,\,2\)
  • \(2,\,1\)
  • \(2,\,0\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Know the two kinds of nodes.
Every orbital can have radial nodes (spherical surfaces where the wavefunction is zero) and angular nodes (planar or conical surfaces). The two are counted by separate rules.
Step 2: Write the formulas.
Number of angular nodes equals the azimuthal quantum number $l$, and number of radial nodes equals $n - l - 1$, where $n$ is the principal quantum number.
Step 3: Read off n for the 4f orbital.
The digit in front of the orbital symbol is $n$, so for a $4f$ orbital, $n = 4$.
Step 4: Read off l for an f orbital.
The letters $s, p, d, f$ correspond to $l = 0, 1, 2, 3$. Thus for an $f$ orbital, $l = 3$.
Step 5: Compute both node counts.
Angular nodes $= l = 3$. Radial nodes $= n - l - 1 = 4 - 3 - 1 = 0$.
Step 6: State the answer in the asked order.
The question asks radial nodes first, then angular nodes, giving $0$ and $3$, which is option (1). \[ \boxed{0,\,3} \]
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