Question

An electron in a hydrogen atom is in a p state. Which of the following statements is true?


a.
The electron’s wavefunction has at least one node (i.e., at least one place in space where it goes to zero).



b.
The electron has an energy of -13.6 eV.


c.
The electron has a total angular momentum of ħ.


d.
The electron has a z-component of angular momentum equal to sqrt(2)* ħ.

Answer 1

Answer:

The electron’s wavefunction has at least one node (i.e., at least one place in space where it goes to zero).

Explanation:

We know that the p-orbitals have nodes. A node is a region where the probability of finding an electron goes down to zero.

P orbitals are oriented along the x,y,z Cartesian axes and are known to have angular nodes along the axes.

Hence, if an electron in a hydrogen atom is in a p state, the electron’s wavefunction has at least one node