Question

How many spherical nodes are in a `3d_(xy)` orbital?

Answer 1

A spherical node is otherwise known as a radial node. Radial nodes are given by

`n - l - 1`,

where `n - 1` is the total number of nodes, and `l` is the number of angular nodes. (Ordinarily, `n` is the principal quantum number, and `l` is the angular momentum quantum number.)

So, the number of radial nodes is:

`color(blue)(n - l - 1)`

`= 3 - 2 - 1 = color(blue)(0)`

Hence, there are zero spherical nodes in the `3d_(xy)` orbital.

How many angular nodes are there?