For the ground state of a hydrogen atom ( orbital), a plot of the radial probability distribution function against distance reveals a maximum. At what exact distance () does this maximum probability o

Question

For the ground state of a hydrogen atom ($1s$ orbital), a plot of the radial probability distribution function $4\pi r^2 \psi^2$ against distance $r$ reveals a maximum. At what exact distance ($r_{max}$) does this maximum probability occur?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. The radial probability distribution curve for the orbital of hydrogen exhibits a single peak. The distance from the nucleus at which this peak occurs corresponds to the maximum probability of finding the electron. Quantum mechanics shows this distance () is exactly equal to the radius of the first Bohr orbit, known as the Bohr radius ().

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