In: Chemistry
In which orbital below would an electron (on average) be farthest from the
nucleus?
A) 3d
B) 2p
C) 1s
D) 4f
E) 3s
There are four basic types of orbitals. Those orbitals are s, p, d, and f. The s orbital, specifically 1s orbital is the closest to the nucleus, so option c (1s) and e (3s) are close to the nucleus with c (1s) being the closes to the nucleus. Option b (2p) is not the farthest and is after the s orbital, so this option is out. Option d (4f) is the only one in the f orbital, which is the farthest away from the nucleus.
The correct answer is D) 4f, it is the orbital where the electron would be the farthest from the nucleus.