Calculate Value of r for Hydrogen Atom 3p Orbital Node

In summary, the radial wave function can be used to calculate the value of r for which a node exists.
  • #1
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"(a) Use the radial wave function for the 3p orbital of a hydrogen atom (see Table 15.2) to calculate the value of r for which a node exists.
(b) Find the values of r for which nodes exist for the 3s wave function of the hydrogen atom."

For part a, I looked at Table 15.2 and found the equation R3p = 4/(81*square root of 6) * (Z/a0)^(3/2) * (6*sigma - sigma2) exp (-sigma/3)
where sigma = Z*r/a0 and a0 = 0.529 * 10^-10m

1. Does exp (-sigma/3) mean raise (6*sigma - sigma2) to the (-sigma/3) power?

2. What exactly does the value of R3p represent?

3. To solve this problem do I set R3p to 0 and solve for r?
 
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  • #2
First, if you need help with LaTeX, try https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=8997&page=52".

1. Does exp (-sigma/3) mean raise (6*sigma - sigma2) to the (-sigma/3) power?

No. It means [tex] e^{-\sigma/3}[/tex]. So you'd have [tex] (6\sigma - \sigma^2)(e^{-\sigma/3})[/tex]

What exactly does the value of R3p represent?
While solving Schroedinger's equation with various approximations for the Hydrogen atom, you would have probably used the separation of variables technique, to separate the equation into a radial part, and an angular part.

R3p is a solution to the radial wave equation, for certain values of n,l which signify the 3p orbital.

To solve this problem do I set R3p to 0 and solve for r?

To find the nodes, you need to find where the probability of finding the electron is zero. So, how would you solve it? Can you take it from here?
 
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  • #3
siddharth said:
To find the nodes, you need to find where the probability of finding the electron is zero. So, how would you solve it? Can you take it from here?

I'm not sure if you're trying to make him think about this in a broader picture, but a radial node is simply where the radial function is equal to 0, as the OP said. It is true that there is 0 probability of finding the electron at this radius, but I feel that is additional information.
 
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FAQ: Calculate Value of r for Hydrogen Atom 3p Orbital Node

1. How do you calculate the value of r for a hydrogen atom 3p orbital node?

The value of r for a hydrogen atom 3p orbital node can be calculated using the Rydberg formula, which is given by r = 0.529 * n^2 / Z, where n is the principal quantum number and Z is the atomic number. For a 3p orbital, the value of n would be 3.

2. What is the significance of calculating the value of r for a hydrogen atom 3p orbital node?

The value of r is important because it determines the size and energy of the orbital. A smaller value of r indicates a smaller orbital size and higher energy level, while a larger value of r indicates a larger orbital size and lower energy level.

3. How does the value of r affect the behavior of electrons in a hydrogen atom 3p orbital node?

The value of r directly affects the energy and stability of the electron in a 3p orbital. A smaller value of r indicates a higher energy level and a less stable electron, while a larger value of r indicates a lower energy level and a more stable electron.

4. Can the value of r for a hydrogen atom 3p orbital node be negative?

No, the value of r for a hydrogen atom 3p orbital node cannot be negative. The Rydberg formula only yields positive values for r, indicating the distance between the electron and the nucleus.

5. How does the value of r for a hydrogen atom 3p orbital node differ from other orbitals?

The value of r for a hydrogen atom 3p orbital node will differ from other orbitals because it is specific to the 3p subshell. Other orbitals will have different values of r due to their different principal quantum numbers and angular momentum quantum numbers.

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