Node (physics)#Chemistry

Under a node is understood in quantum chemistry a flat or curved surface, on which the sign of a wave function changes ( zero of the wave function ). Clearly, the environment of a node corresponds to a low probability for electrons.

Atomic orbitals always have a total of n -1 nodes on surfaces (n = principal quantum number ). Of these,

• L nodes in the angle-dependent part of the wave function ( quantum number l
• The remaining ( n -1) l = no node in the radial part of the wave function (radial quantum number nr ≥ 0):

Notes:

• Physical chemistry