Answer
See explanation
Work Step by Step
2p orbitals differ from each other based on their magnetic quantum number (m). The magnetic quantum number describes the orientation of the orbital in space, and can take on values from -l to +l. In the case of 2p orbitals, l = 1, so there are three different 2p orbitals: 2px, 2py, and 2pz. These orbitals are oriented in the x, y, and z directions, respectively.
2p and 3p orbitals differ from each other based on their principal quantum number (n). The principal quantum number describes the energy level of the electron. 2p orbitals correspond to the second energy level (n = 2) and 3p orbitals correspond to the third energy level (n = 3). As the energy level of an electron increases, the orbital is farther away from the nucleus and the electron is less attracted to the nucleus, so it is more likely to be found farther away from the nucleus.
A nodal surface in an atomic orbital is a surface in space where the probability of finding an electron is zero. This is a result of the wave-like properties of electrons and the fact that the wave function of an orbital can have regions of constructive and destructive interference.
1p, 1d, 2d, 1f, 2f, and 3f orbitals do not exist because the maximum value of l for an electron in the nth energy level is (n-1) i.e for n=1 the maximum value of l is 0, for n=2 the maximum value of l is 1 and so on.
When we say that a 4s electron is more penetrating than a 3d electron, we mean that the 4s electron is more likely to be found closer to the nucleus than a 3d electron. This is because the 4s orbital has a lower energy level than the 3d orbital, so the 4s electron is more strongly attracted to the nucleus and is more likely to be found closer to the nucleus.
