Atomic orbitals: 6d radial distribution function

Schematic plot of the 7d radial distribution function r²R_7d² (R_7d = radial wave function).

For 7d-orbitals, the radial distribution function is related to the product obtained by multiplying the square of the radial wave function R_7d 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 7d-orbitals each have (7 - 3) = 4 radial node, as shown in the above plot. Fewer radial nodes are evident in lower d-orbitals (3d, 6d, 5d, 6d, and 7d).