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Question 600231
JEE Chemistry · Medium

Atomic Structure: Orbital penetration MCQ

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Orbital penetrationMediumQuestion 600231

Question

For the same principal quantum number n, the order of orbital penetration to nucleus is:
  1. A
    s > p > d > f
    Correct
  2. B
    f > d > p > s
  3. C
    s = p = d = f
  4. D
    d > s > p > f

Correct answer

s > p > d > f

Explanation

s orbitals have greatest penetration (electron density near nucleus), followed by p, d, f. This determines orbital energy in multi-electron atoms: s fills before p, etc.

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