Question

which one of the following orbitals has the greatest number of nodes? 4p 2p 5p 1p 3p

Explanation:

Step1: Recall node - formula

The number of nodes in an orbital is given by $n - 1$, where $n$ is the principal quantum number.

Step2: Analyze each option

• For $4p$: $n = 4$, number of nodes $=4 - 1=3$.
• For $2p$: $n = 2$, number of nodes $=2 - 1 = 1$.
• For $5p$: $n = 5$, number of nodes $=5 - 1=4$.
• For $1p$: The $1p$ orbital does not exist as for $n = 1$, the only possible $l$ value is $0$ (s - orbital), not $1$ (p - orbital).
• For $3p$: $n = 3$, number of nodes $=3 - 1=2$.

Answer:

C. $5p$