Atomic orbitals: 5d radial distribution function

Schematic plot of the 5d radial distribution function r²R_5d² (R_5d = radial wave function).

For 5d-orbitals, the radial distribution function is related to the product obtained by multiplying the square of the radial wave function R_5d by r². By definition, it is independent of direction.

In addition to two planar nodes (or two conical node in the case of the 4d_z² orbital), d-orbitals, display a number of radial nodes that separate the largest, outer, component from the inner components. The number of nodes is related to the principal quantum number, n. In general, the nd orbitals have (n - 3) radial nodes. Therefore, the 5d-orbitals each have (5 - 3) = 2 radial nodes, as shown in the above plot. Further radial nodes become evident in higher d-orbitals (6d and 7d) but fewer nodes in lower d-orbitals (3d and 4d)