Where does the maximum electron density occur for 2s and 2p orbitals in hydrogen atom?
1 Answer
For hydrogen, we have to use spherical harmonics, so our dimensions are written as
color(green)(psi_(nlm_l)(r,theta,phi) = R_(nl)(r) Y_(l)^(m_l)(theta, phi))ψnlml(r,θ,ϕ)=Rnl(r)Ymll(θ,ϕ)
If you don't understand all of that, that's fine; it was just for context.
To get the maximum electron density, you have to look at probability density curves.
If we plot
The
http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/
From this, you can tell that the maximum electron density occurs near
From this similar diagram, we can compare the
http://faculty.uml.edu/
Here, you should see that the
This should make more sense once you realize what the probability density plots of the
2s
http://cronodon.com/
2p
http://cronodon.com/
"The density of the [dark spots] is proportional to the probability of finding the electron in that region" (McQuarrie, Ch. 6-6).
Basically, start with a radius of 0, and expand your radius of vision outwards from the center of the orbital, and you should be constructing the probability density curves (radial distribution plots).