Node and Nodal planes in orbitals
Node: It is point/ line/ plane/ surface in which probability of finding electron is zero.
Total number of nodes = n-1
There are of 2 types.
(1) Radial nodes/ spherical nodes number of radial nodes =
(2) Angular nodes/ number of nodal planes number of angular nodes/ nodal planes =
*Nucleus and are not considered as node.
Types of orbitals:
Case-I : If =0 and m = 0 it implies that s subshell has only one orbital called as s orbital.
Shapes of s-orbitals: The s-orbitals are spherically symmetrical about the nucleus
It implies that, p subshell have three orbitals called as px, py and pz.
Shape of p-orbitals :
We have three p-orbitals, commonly known as px, py and pz. These three p-orbitals, possesses equivalent energy and therefore, have same relation with thenucleus. They, however , differ in their direction & distribution of the charge.
These three p-orbitals are situated at right angle to another and are directed along x, y and z axes (figure)
1. Each p orbital has dumb bell shape (2 lobes which are separated from each other by a point of zero probability called nodal point or node or nucleus).
2. The two lobes of each orbital are separated by a plane of zero electron density called nodal plane.
3. Each p orbital of higher energy level are also dumb bell shape but they have nodal surface.
Nodal plane:
Orbital Nodal plane
px yz plane
py xz plane
pz xy plane
Case III When = 2, ‘m’ has five values -2, -1, 0, +1, +2. It implies that d subshell of any energy shell has five orbitals. The shapes of all d- orbital is not identical. Shapes of these Four d orbitals are same
Shape of d-orbitals:
It implies that d subshell has 5 orbitals i.e. five electron cloud and can be represent as follows:
Each d-orbital of higher energy level are also double dumbell shaped but they have nodal surface.
In d orbital :
(i) Nodal Point 1
(ii) Nodal Surface 3 dxy 0 Nodal surface
4 dxy 1 Nodal surface
5 dxy 2 Nodal surface
ndxy (n-3)
(iii) ) Nodal Plane dxy xz&yz nodal plane
dxz xy&zy nodal plane
dzy zx&yx nodal plane
2, nodal plane
0, nodal plane
Note: Orbitals of d subshell are Equivalent in energy.