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anorred
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Are paired electrons at a spatial distance from one another or are they "mixed" in some way. Why do their magnetic poles cancel?
Spacial distance of paired electrons
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In summary, paired electrons are mixed within their subshells and can occupy the same space as long as they have opposite spins due to the pauli exclusion principle. This cancellation of spins also cancels out their magnetic poles. In the quantum world, the alignment of the electrons' axes is not determined until measured, but the opposite spins still force them to be in opposition.
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Drakkith
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They are mixed within their subshells. The pauli exclusion principle states that the electrons can never be in the same quantum state at the same time. Since quantum spin is one of the variables that determines the state of the electron, and has a value of +1/2 or -1/2 (up or down), two electrons can occupy the same subshell at the same time as long as they have opposite spins. (So in effect they would be in the same place at the same time but with opposite spins) The direction of spin is also the direction of the magnetic field, so the two electrons cancel each other out.
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sophiecentaur
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Drakkith said:
I could ask why the axes of the two electrons would need to be 'aligned'. I know that's just being difficult
but it has to be realized that we're in the quantum world and, until you start to measure the actual direction of the alignment in some way, it's totally uncommitted. Then +1/2 electron 'forces' the -1/2 spin electron to be in opposition.What is the significance of the spacial distance of paired electrons?
The spacial distance of paired electrons refers to the distance between two electrons in an atom that are paired together in an orbital. This distance has significant implications for the stability and reactivity of the atom.
How does the spacial distance of paired electrons affect an atom's stability?
The closer the paired electrons are to each other, the more stable the atom will be. This is because the electrons are held together by the attractive force of the positively charged nucleus, making it more difficult for them to be removed from the atom.
What factors influence the spacial distance of paired electrons?
The spacial distance of paired electrons is primarily influenced by the number of electrons in the atom's outermost energy level, as well as the size of the atom's nucleus. Other factors such as the atom's electronic configuration and the presence of other nearby atoms can also play a role.
How does the spacial distance of paired electrons relate to an atom's reactivity?
The further apart the paired electrons are, the easier it is for them to be removed from the atom, making the atom more reactive. This is because the attractive force between the nucleus and electrons is weaker, allowing the electrons to be more easily influenced by external forces.
How does the concept of spacial distance of paired electrons apply to chemical bonding?
The spacial distance of paired electrons is a key factor in determining the types of chemical bonds that can form between atoms. For example, atoms with similar spacial distances between their paired electrons are more likely to form covalent bonds, while atoms with large differences in spacial distance may form ionic bonds.
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