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Why is it that an electron cannot stay in the nucleus according to quantum mechanics?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
The Heisenberg uncertainty principle shows that one cannot say precisely where an electron is located and precisely what its momentum (mass times velocity) is. More correctly, the uncertainty principle says that the uncertainty in the location of a particle times the uncertainty in its position is always greater than a certain constant number called Planck's constant.
If an electron were inside the nucleus, which is a VERY small area, then we would know its position with great certainty. This means that the uncertainty in its momentum (and thus speed) must be tremendous. You can say that if an electron is confined to a small area, it speeds away from the area due to its large momentum. For this reason, electrons are distributed outside of the nucleus of an atom.
To be more precise, they are almost entirely outside of the nucleus. There is still a VERY small probability to find electrons inside the nucleus. This probability can be both evaluated theoretically and measured (by indirect methods) experimentally.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
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These are regions of space outside the nucleus where electrons travel?
The space outside of the nucleus of an atom where electrons reside is referred to the electron shell or an orbital. According to quantum mechanics theory, electrons do not technically travel, they just exist around the nucleus in something like a shell or a cloud.
How does the quantum mechanical model describes energies?
According to the modern theory of quantum mechanics the electrons have a vibrating wave character and hence uncertain positions.Sometimes,they are close to the nucleus and sometimes away from it.Thus we can say that the paths of motion of electrons around the nucleus are not definite
What is electrons move rapidly within cloud like region?
The quantum mechanics model of the atom indicates that electrons orbit the atomic nucleus in an electron cloud. Electrons orbit the nucleus in discrete energy levels within the electron cloud.
If the electron in a hydrogen atom obeyed classical mechanic instead of quantum mechanics?
It would spiral into the nucleus, emitting x-rays all the way in. Matter would collapse.
What are the parts of the atom besides the neutron?
The nucleus which includes the protons and neutrons, and the electron cloud which contains the electrons. If you want to get into true quantum mechanics, then there are the quarks, the leptons, the bosons, gluons, etc.
Quantum mechanics can be used to calculate the probability of an electron's what at any given time?
An electron's location or momentum, but not both.
Where is a electron located?
They are located in the electron cloud of an atom. ---------- Electrons (very low mass particles with negative electrical charge) are placed around the nucleus of an atom in electron shells, with different energy levels; because the nucleus contain protons the electrical charge is positive. The electron cloud is a model of quantum mechanics.
Do elecrons move in a circular path?
Well according to quantum mechanics they do not - owing to the uncertainty principle. So instead they just "fuzz" around the nucleus of the atom
Examples of quantum mechanics in lymans terms?
Quantum mechanics deals with probabilities - where an electron might be found, for example. It's very difficult to put in lay terms, but "Quantum Reality" by Nick Herbert is very readable, and accurate.
Where is the electron located in the quantum mechanical model of the atom?
Rotating around the nucleus.
Difference between orbit and orbital?
axmed shOrbit is a concept from celestial mechanics and astronomy.Orbital is a concept from quantum mechanics, spectrometry, and chemistry.the circular path of rotation of electron around the nucleus is called an orbit . Whereas the region around the nucleus of an atom where probability of finding the electron is maximum is called orbital
How did quantum mechanics change your understanding of atoms?
In quantum mechanics, electrons exist in a cloud-shaped area outside the nucleus. I found the concepts mind-blowing and it took me a couple of weeks to get comfortable with it.
