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NEET Chemistry: Concept of atomic orbitals Practice Questions

15 free multiple-choice questions on Concept of atomic orbitals (Atomic Structure) for NEET Chemistry, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation. Attempt a question, then reveal the solution to check your reasoning.

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  1. Q1. In an atomic orbital, the number of nodes is related to the quantum numbers. For a 1s orbital, how many radial nodes does it possess?

    • A3
    • B0
    • C1
    • D2
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B — 0

    For an s-orbital (where l=0), the number of radial nodes is 0.

  2. Q2. The azimuthal quantum number (l) describes which property of an electron in an orbital?

    • AThe shape of the orbital
    • BThe magnitude of the orbital angular momentum
    • CThe spatial distribution of probability
    • DThe orientation of the orbital in space
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B — The magnitude of the orbital angular momentum

    The azimuthal quantum number (l) (or angular momentum quantum number) determines the shape of the orbital and the magnitude of the orbital angular momentum.

  3. Q3. In the concept of atomic orbitals, the principal quantum number (n) primarily determines which of the following properties of an orbital?

    • AThe spin of the electron
    • BThe magnetic quantum number (mₗ)
    • CThe total energy of the electrons within the orbital
    • DThe shape of the orbital
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — The shape of the orbital

    The principal quantum number (n) defines the energy level and the size/spatial extent of the atomic orbital. Higher values of n correspond to larger orbitals with greater energy.

  4. Q4. The maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in a p subshell is:

    • A14
    • B6
    • C2
    • D10
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — 10

    The maximum number of electrons allowed in a p subshell (where l=1) is given by the formula 2(2l+1) = 2(2(1)+1) = 6.

  5. Q5. A node in an atomic orbital refers to a region where the probability of finding an electron is:

    • Azero
    • Bmaximum
    • Cequal to the principal quantum number
    • Dundefined
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — zero

    A node is a region in space where the probability of finding an electron is zero.

  6. Q6. In the context of atomic orbitals, the value of l can range from which values?

    • A1 to n
    • B0 to n
    • C0 to ∞
    • D0 to n-1
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — 0 to n-1

    The azimuthal quantum number (l) is an integer that ranges from 0 up to n-1, where n is the principal quantum number.

  7. Q7. Which orbital type corresponds to l=0?

    • Af orbital
    • Bs orbital
    • Cp orbital
    • Dd orbital
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B — s orbital

    The value l=0 corresponds exclusively to the s orbital.

  8. Q8. Which quantum number specifies the shape of an atomic orbital?

    • AAzimuthal quantum number (l)
    • BSpin quantum number (m_s)
    • CMagnetic quantum number (m_l)
    • DPrincipal quantum number (n)
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — Azimuthal quantum number (l)

    The azimuthal quantum number (l) determines the shape of the orbital (s, p, d, f).

  9. Q9. Which orbital type is characterized by zero angular momentum (i.e., l=0)?

    • Ap orbital
    • Bf orbital
    • Cd orbital
    • Ds orbital
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — s orbital

    The s orbital corresponds to the azimuthal quantum number l=0, meaning it has zero angular momentum.

  10. Q10. How many orbitals are present in a subshell where the azimuthal quantum number (l) is 2?

    • A7
    • B1
    • C3
    • D5
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — 3

    For a given l, the number of orbitals is 2l+1. If l=2, the number of orbitals is 2(2)+1 = 5.

  11. Q11. The principal quantum number (n) determines which of the following properties of an orbital?

    • AThe magnitude of angular momentum
    • BThe shape of the orbital
    • CThe number of spin states
    • DThe energy and size of the orbital
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — The energy and size of the orbital

    The principal quantum number (n) defines the energy level and size of the electron cloud. Higher values of n correspond to larger, higher-energy orbitals.

  12. Q12. The principal quantum number (n) determines which property of an atomic orbital?

    • Aorientation of the orbital
    • Bnumber of nodes in the orbital
    • Csize and energy of the orbital
    • Dshape of the orbital
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — size and energy of the orbital

    The principal quantum number (n) determines the principal energy level and, consequently, the size and energy of the orbital.

  13. Q13. Which azimuthal quantum number (l) value corresponds to a subshell with a dumbbell shape?

    • A0
    • B2
    • C1
    • D-1
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — 1

    The azimuthal quantum number l determines the shape. For l=1, the orbital is a p-orbital, which has a dumbbell shape.

  14. Q14. Which of the following statements correctly describes the nature of an atomic orbital?

    • AAn atomic orbital is a mathematical function whose square gives the probability of finding an electron in a particular region of space.
    • BAn atomic orbital is the actual path traced by the electron around the nucleus.
    • CAn atomic orbital is defined solely by the angular momentum of the electron.
    • DAn atomic orbital is a region where the electron is known to be located with 100% probability.
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — An atomic orbital is a mathematical function whose square gives the probability of finding an electron in a particular region of space.

    An atomic orbital is a three-dimensional region in space around the nucleus where the probability of finding an electron is maximum (usually 90-95%). It is described by a wave function, and the square of the wave function gives the probability density of finding the electron in that region.

  15. Q15. The atomic orbital represents the:

    • Aexact location of an electron
    • Bprobability of finding an electron
    • Cprecise path of an electron
    • Dtotal energy of the electron
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B — probability of finding an electron

    An atomic orbital is a three-dimensional region around the nucleus where the probability of finding an electron is maximum (usually 90%).

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