When plotting the radial probability density function () against the distance from the nucleus () fo — Atomic Structure Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

For any $ns$ orbital, the number of peaks in the radial probability density curve is equal to $(n-l)$. For a $3s$ orbital ($n=3, l=0$), the number of peaks is $3-0=3$. The number of radial nodes where the probability drops to zero is $(n-l-1) = 3-0-1 = 2$. Thus, the graph will have $3$ peaks and $2$ radial nodes.