Question:medium

Which of the following orbitals will have a radial node?

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The formula for calculating the number of nodes is n - l - 1 where n represents the principal quantum number and l represents the azimuthal quantum number. The ‘s’ orbital has an azimuthal quantum number of 0, and the radial nodes are spherical in shape, while angular nodes are planar and occur only in non-s orbitals.
Updated On: Jan 17, 2026
  • 1s orbital
  • 2s orbital
  • 2p orbital
  • 3d orbital
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

A radial node is a region within an atomic orbital where the radial probability density of finding an electron is zero. The number of radial nodes for an atomic orbital is calculated using the formula:
[ Radial Nodes = n - l - 1 ]
where:
• (n) is the principal quantum number
• (l) is the azimuthal quantum number
Orbital analysis:
• 1s orbital: (n = 1), (l = 0). Radial nodes = 1 - 0 - 1 = 0.
• 2s orbital: (n = 2), (l = 0). Radial nodes = 2 - 0 - 1 = 1.
• 2p orbital: (n = 2), (l = 1). Radial nodes = 2 - 1 - 1 = 0.
• 3d orbital: (n = 3), (l = 2). Radial nodes = 3 - 2 - 1 = 0.
Based on these calculations, only the 2s orbital possesses a radial node; the 1s, 2p, and 3d orbitals do not.

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