Chemistry · Structure of Atom

JEE Main 2026 — 28 January, Morning Shift — Question 56

Figure 1. Electron probability density for 2s orbital

Figure 2. Wave function for 2s orbital

Which of the following point in Figure 2 most accurately represents the nodal surface as shown in Figure 1 ?

Answer: B

A nodal surface occurs where the wave function is zero.

For a 2s orbital there is one radial node.

At the node, we have

Wave function $\psi = 0$

Probability density = 0

In the wave function graph, the node occurs where the curve crosses the horizontal axis.

Among the labeled points, point B lies exactly on the axis where the wave function changes sign.

So, B represents the nodal surface.

Answer key and solution verified before publishing.

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