s orbitals: spherical symmetry, no angular nodes. 1s has 0 nodes total. 2s has 1 radial node (a spherical shell where psi = 0). p orbitals: dumbbell-shaped along axes (px, py, pz), 1 angular nodal plane. 2p has 0 radial nodes, 3p has 1 radial node. d orbitals: 5 types — dxy, dyz, dxz (between axes), dx2-y2, dz2 (along axes). 2 angular nodal planes. dz2 has a unique torus (donut) shape. f orbitals: 7 types, 3 angular nodal planes, complex shapes. Node counting: radial nodes = n - l - 1. Angular nodes = l. Total nodes = n - 1. Node information is frequently tested: e.g., 4d has 4-2-1 = 1 radial node, 2 angular nodes, 3 total nodes. Nodes represent regions of zero electron probability.
Part of JPC-07 — Atomic Structure: Quantum Numbers & Electronic Config
Orbital Shapes and Nodes
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