Atomic StructurehardMCQ SINGLE

For the ground state of a hydrogen atom ( orbital), a plot of the radial probability distribution fuAtomic Structure Chemistry Question

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?

Answer: B

💡 Solution & Explanation

The radial probability distribution curve for the $1s$ 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 ($r_{max}$) is exactly equal to the radius of the first Bohr orbit, known as the Bohr radius ($a_0 = 0.529 \text{ \AA}$).

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