Atomic orbitals: 6p radial distribution function

Schematic plot of the 6p radial distribution function 4πr2ψ6p2

Schematic plot of the 6p orbital radial distribution function.

For 6p-orbitals, the radial distribution function is related to the product obtained by multiplying the square of the radial wave function R6p by r2. By definition, it is independent of direction.

All of p-orbitals have one planar node, The 6p radial distribution function shows four radial nodes and the higher p orbitals show more. The number of nodes is related to the principal quantum number, n. In general, the np orbital have (n - 2) radial nodes. Therefore, the 6p-orbital has (6 - 2) = 4 radial nodes, as shown in the above plot. Radial nodes become evident in the higher p-orbitals ( 7p) while lower p-orbitals (2p, 3p, 4p, and 5p) show fewer.


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