Question

Calculate nodal planes of 3s and 3p orbitals?

Answer 1

There are two types of nodal planes for each orbital.

(i) Angular nodal planes = l

(ii) Spherical nodal planes = n - l - 1 

Hence total nodal planes = 1 + (n − l − 1) = (n - 1) 

For 3s orbital, 

Angular nodal surface = 0 

Spherical nodal planes = 3 - 0 - 1 

Total nodal planes = 0 + 2 = 2

For 3p orbital 

Angular nodal planes = 1 

Spherical nodal planes = 3 - 1 - 1 = 1

Total nodal planes = 1 + 1 = 2