MCQEasyJEE 2023Orbitals & Shapes

JEE Chemistry 2023 Question with Solution

The wave function (Ψ\Psi) of 2s2s is given by

Ψ2s=122π(1a0)1/2(2ra0)er/2a0\Psi_{2s} = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{2\pi}} \left( \frac{1}{a_0} \right)^{1/2} \left( 2 - \frac{r}{a_0} \right) e^{-r/2a_0}

At r=r0r = r_0, a radial node is formed. Thus, r0r_0 in terms of a0a_0 is:

  • A

    r0=a0r_0 = a_0

  • B

    r0=4a0r_0 = 4a_0

  • C

    r0=a02r_0 = \frac{a_0}{2}

  • D

    r0=2a0r_0 = 2a_0

Answer

Correct answer:D

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: The wave function for the 2s2s orbital is

Ψ2s=122π(1a0)1/2(2ra0)er/2a0\Psi_{2s} = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{2\pi}} \left( \frac{1}{a_0} \right)^{1/2} \left( 2 - \frac{r}{a_0} \right) e^{-r/2a_0}

Find: The value of r0r_0 where a radial node is formed.

At the node, the wave function Ψ2s=0\Psi_{2s} = 0. Thus,

2r0a0=02 - \frac{r_0}{a_0} = 0 r0a0=2\Rightarrow \frac{r_0}{a_0} = 2 r0=2a0\Rightarrow r_0 = 2a_0

Therefore, the correct option is D, and the required value is r0=2a0r_0 = 2a_0.

Common mistakes

  • Setting the exponential term equal to zero. This is wrong because er/2a0e^{-r/2a_0} is never zero for any finite value of rr. The node comes from the factor (2ra0)\left(2 - \frac{r}{a_0}\right) becoming zero.

  • Confusing the option label from the solution with the actual listed value. The solution says option B, but the worked result clearly gives r0=2a0r_0 = 2a_0, which matches option D in the provided options. Always trust the derived value.

  • Using the idea of radial probability distribution instead of the given wave function directly. Here the question asks for the node from Ψ2s\Psi_{2s}, so the correct step is to set the wave function equal to zero.

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