Atomic orbitals: 6d radial distribution function

Schematic plot of the 6d radial distribution function r²R_6d² (R_6d = radial wave function).

For 6d-orbitals, the radial distribution function is related to the product obtained by multiplying the square of the radial wave function R_6d by r². By definition, it is independent of direction.

In addition to two planar nodes (or two conical node in the case of the 6d_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 6d-orbitals each have (6 - 3) = 3 radial nodes, as shown in the above plot. Further radial nodes become evident in higher d-orbitals (7d) but fewer nodes in lower d-orbitals (3d, 4d), and 5d).