Which of the following expression respresents the electron probability function `(D)`?

Options

A. `4pir drpsi^(2)`
B. `4pir^(2) dr psi`
C. `4pir^(2) dr psi^(2)`
D. `4pir dr psi`

Answer

C

Explanation

The actual probability of finding the electron in a volume element `dV` is given by `psi^(2)dV`. The radial probability density function is the probability of finding the electron in a spherical shell of radius `r` and thickness `dr`. The volume of such a shell equals its surface area `4pir^(2)` multiplies by the shell thickness `dr`.
Thus, `psi^(2)dV = psi^(2)4pir^(2)dr`