atomic theory and orbitals

[growingpains]

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BR states that an electron in the n = 1 energy level can be found at only one distance from the nucleus. However, if we look at orbitals as volumes where electrons are likely to be found, wouldn't electrons in the n = 1 energy level be found at various distances, as long as they are inside the appropriate orbitals?

 

[railgun]

BR states that an electron in the n = 1 energy level can be found at only one distance from the nucleus. However, if we look at orbitals as volumes where electrons are likely to be found, wouldn't electrons in the n = 1 energy level be found at various distances, as long as they are inside the appropriate orbitals?

I don't think electrons are found at only one distance from the nucleus (even in a specific energy level) b/c the location of a electron is defined as a probability cloud. I doubt the mcat requires you to know any specifics about this, but yea, you're right... the electron moves around and can be given an average distance, but isn't there all the time. Look up bohr radius on wikipedia if u want to learn more about it.

 

[Buttafuoco]

Question is a little wonky, but they probably mean expectation distance (the most probable distance based on probability density).