Question

The probability of finding out an electron at a point within an atom is proportional to the

• A. square of the orbital wave function i.e., $\Psi^{2}$
• B. orbital wave function i.e., $\Psi$
• C. Hamiltonian operator i.e., $H$
• D. principal quantum number i.e., $n$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Orbital wave function $\psi$ is a mathematical function for an atomic orbital.
The square of the wave function, $\psi^{2}$ is called probability density and is always positive.
Its value defines the probability of finding the electron around nucleus.
Hamiltonian operator $H$ is an operator corresponding to the total energy of the system as $H \psi= E \psi$
Principal quantum number defines the shell and majorly governs the energy and size of the orbital. It is one of the solution obtained from $\psi$.