JEE Exam  >  JEE Questions  >  An atom for which the electron probability di... Start Learning for Free
An atom for which the electron probability distribution is spherically symmetric about the nucleus is
  • a)
    2p
  • b)
    3s
  • c)
    3p
  • d)
    3d
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
An atom for which the electron probability distribution is spherically...


Spherically symmetric about the nucleus
(c) 3pas (a)

Free Test
Community Answer
An atom for which the electron probability distribution is spherically...
The correct answer is option 'B' - 3s.

The electron probability distribution refers to the likelihood of finding an electron at a particular location around the nucleus of an atom. In other words, it represents the probability of finding an electron in a given region of space.

Spherically symmetric distribution means that the probability of finding an electron is the same at any point equidistant from the nucleus. This implies that the electron cloud around the nucleus is symmetrical in all directions, resembling a sphere.

Let's understand why the 3s orbital has a spherically symmetric electron probability distribution.

1. Orbitals:
In quantum mechanics, orbitals are mathematical functions that describe the behavior of electrons in an atom. Orbitals are labeled by three quantum numbers: the principal quantum number (n), the angular momentum quantum number (l), and the magnetic quantum number (m).

2. Quantum numbers for the 3s orbital:
For the 3s orbital, the principal quantum number (n) is 3, the angular momentum quantum number (l) is 0, and the magnetic quantum number (m) is 0. These quantum numbers determine the shape, size, and orientation of the orbital.

3. Shape of the 3s orbital:
The 3s orbital is spherical in shape. It is characterized by a single lobe that is centered around the nucleus. The electron density is highest at the nucleus and decreases as you move away from it. The size of the orbital increases with increasing principal quantum number (n), so the 3s orbital is larger than the 1s and 2s orbitals.

4. Spherical symmetry:
The 3s orbital has spherical symmetry because it is only characterized by the principal quantum number (n). It does not have any angular nodes or orientation in space. This means that the probability of finding an electron in the 3s orbital is the same at any point equidistant from the nucleus, resulting in a spherically symmetric electron probability distribution.

In summary, the 3s orbital has a spherically symmetric electron probability distribution because it is spherical in shape and does not have any angular nodes or orientation in space.
Explore Courses for JEE exam
An atom for which the electron probability distribution is spherically symmetric about the nucleus isa)2pb)3sc)3pd)3dCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
An atom for which the electron probability distribution is spherically symmetric about the nucleus isa)2pb)3sc)3pd)3dCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for JEE 2025 is part of JEE preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the JEE exam syllabus. Information about An atom for which the electron probability distribution is spherically symmetric about the nucleus isa)2pb)3sc)3pd)3dCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for JEE 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for An atom for which the electron probability distribution is spherically symmetric about the nucleus isa)2pb)3sc)3pd)3dCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for An atom for which the electron probability distribution is spherically symmetric about the nucleus isa)2pb)3sc)3pd)3dCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for JEE. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for JEE Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of An atom for which the electron probability distribution is spherically symmetric about the nucleus isa)2pb)3sc)3pd)3dCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of An atom for which the electron probability distribution is spherically symmetric about the nucleus isa)2pb)3sc)3pd)3dCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for An atom for which the electron probability distribution is spherically symmetric about the nucleus isa)2pb)3sc)3pd)3dCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of An atom for which the electron probability distribution is spherically symmetric about the nucleus isa)2pb)3sc)3pd)3dCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice An atom for which the electron probability distribution is spherically symmetric about the nucleus isa)2pb)3sc)3pd)3dCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice JEE tests.
Explore Courses for JEE exam

Top Courses for JEE

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev