An atomic orbital is mathematically described by the complete wave function . What is the sum of its — Atomic Structure Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The wave function is represented as $\psi_{nlm}$. For $\psi_{420}$, we have $n=4, l=2, m=0$. This corresponds to a $4d$ orbital (specifically $4d_{z^2}$). The number of radial nodes is $(n-l-1) = 4-2-1 = 1$. The sum is $n + l + m + \text{radial nodes} = 4 + 2 + 0 + 1 = 7$.