Engineering
Chemistry
Quantum Wave Mechanical Model
Question

The probability density plots of 1s and 2s orbitals are given in Figure

  

The density of dots in a region represents the probability density of finding electrons in the region. On the basis of above diagram which of the following statements is incorrect?

The probability density of electrons for 2s orbital decreases uniformly as distance from the nucleus increases

The probability of finding the electron is maximum near the nucleus

The probability of finding the electron at a given distance is equal in all directions

1s and 2s orbitals are spherical in shape

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Solution

The incorrect statement is: "The probability density of electrons for 2s orbital decreases uniformly as distance from the nucleus increases."

Probability density, represented by the radial distribution function, does not decrease uniformly. For a 2s orbital, it first decreases, becomes zero at a node, then increases to a maximum, and finally decreases again. The other options are correct: maximum probability is near the nucleus for 1s; probability is equal in all directions (spherical symmetry); and both 1s and 2s orbitals are spherical.