Why Don't Electrons Collide in Orbit?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of spin quantum numbers and how they relate to the movement of electrons in an orbit. It also mentions the role of electromagnetic forces and exchange forces in preventing collisions between electrons. The conversation also clarifies that spin quantum numbers do not necessarily indicate opposite directions of movement.
  • #1
koolraj
3
0
As explained by Max Plank for every orbit having two electrons in
it, have 2 spins quantum numbers. And they are always 1/2 and
-1/2.It just means that the two electrons move in opposite
directions in orbit. Then why don’t they collide?
 
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  • #2
No it was not Planck.

Secondly, the spins does not mean that they move in opposite directions.

Third, electrons does not orbit around the atomic nucleus as planets around the sun.
 
  • #3
Everything malawi_glenn says is true. Electrons are point like particles which exert repulsive electric forces. As the distance between the electrons goes to zero, the repulsive force becomes infinite. In addition to the electromagnetic forces, electrons are fermions (spin 1/2) and so they experience a purely quantum mechanical effect called an exchange force which prevents them from being "in the same state." The tricky thing is that, in quantum mechanics, being in the same statedoes not mean being in the same position. Electron states in an atom are determined by four numbers, which are usually chosen to be energy, total anular momentum, orbital anglar momentum in one direction, and spin angular momentum in one direction. Exchange forces prevent any two electrons from having the same four numbers, and this is why two electrons ith the same energy and angular momentum must have different spins.

Edit: Sorry for the typos, keyboard problems.
 
  • #4
I received this message:

malawi_glenn said:
koolraj said:
so, if the spins does not mean that they move in opposite directions, then what does spin qauntum numbers signify(+1/2 and -1/2)?

Ask in the forum...

The spin quantum numbers in the classical sense is that of a sphere spinning around its own axis... Spin +1/2 is then spinning in the righthand way, and -1/2 lefthand way.
 

1. Why don't electrons collide with the nucleus in an atom?

Electrons do not collide with the nucleus because they are constantly moving in an orbit around the nucleus. Additionally, the electromagnetic force between the negatively charged electrons and positively charged nucleus keeps them at a specific distance from each other.

2. Can electrons change their orbit or position within an atom?

Yes, electrons can change their orbit or position within an atom. This typically occurs when an atom gains or loses energy, causing the electrons to move to a higher or lower energy level, respectively. Electrons can also change their orbit through interactions with other particles or through the absorption or emission of light.

3. What causes electrons to remain in a stable orbit around the nucleus?

The balance between the attractive force of the nucleus and the repulsive force between the negatively charged electrons keeps the electrons in a stable orbit around the nucleus. This balance is known as the electrostatic force and is governed by the laws of electromagnetism.

4. Do all electrons in an atom orbit at the same speed?

No, electrons in an atom do not all orbit at the same speed. The speed of an electron is determined by its energy level and distance from the nucleus. Electrons in higher energy levels have a faster orbit than those in lower energy levels.

5. Why do electrons not emit energy as they orbit around the nucleus?

Electrons do emit energy as they orbit around the nucleus, but this energy is emitted in the form of electromagnetic radiation, such as light. This emission is known as the electron's energy level transitions, and the emitted light corresponds to the energy difference between the two levels. However, the energy emitted is very small and difficult to detect, which is why it appears that electrons do not emit energy as they orbit.

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