Why Does Angular Momentum of Electrons Change with Nodes?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the angular momentum of electrons in quantum mechanics, specifically addressing why s-electrons have zero angular momentum in the ground state and how angular momentum is affected by the presence of nodes. It clarifies that radial nodes occur when the radial part of the wavefunction vanishes, while angular nodes occur when the angular part vanishes. The relationship between nodes and energy is linked to specific wavefunctions, and the connection to angular momentum is explained through Noether's Theorem, which relates symmetry to conservation laws.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly wavefunctions
  • Familiarity with Schrödinger's equation and its solutions
  • Knowledge of Noether's Theorem and its implications in physics
  • Basic concepts of angular momentum in quantum systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Noether's Theorem in quantum mechanics
  • Examine specific wavefunctions to analyze the relationship between nodes and energy
  • Learn about the mathematical formulation of angular momentum operators in quantum systems
  • Investigate the significance of radial and angular nodes in different atomic orbitals
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics, atomic structure, and angular momentum analysis.

photon79
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angular node!

why the angular momentum of electron in the ground state is zero?? (an s-electron) And why it has angular momentum when there is a node?? And pls give some info on what is a Radial node and what is an angular node and their contributions to the energy of electrons??
 
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photon79 said:
why the angular momentum of electron in the ground state is zero?? (an s-electron)

That is what comes out of the Schrödinger equation. It is the solution with the lowest value of [itex]n[/itex], and nature happens to take advantage of that lowest energy solution.

And why it has angular momentum when there is a node??

I am not quite sure of what you are looking for here. Are you asking why a function that has at least one zero can be an eigenstate of the angular momentum operator?

And pls give some info on what is a Radial node and what is an angular node and their contributions to the energy of electrons??

A radial node occurs when the radial part of the wavefunction vanishes, and an angular node occurs when the angular part vanishes. As far as the connection of nodes to energy, how about looking at some specific wavefunctions? Note the number of each type of node, and note the energy.
 
photon79 said:
And why it has angular momentum when there is a node??
This goes back to Noether's Theorem. The breaking of continuous rotational symmetry is associated with the addition of angular momentum. What's easier to see is (the converse, namely) that if you have no angular nodes, you must retain spherical symmetry; in which case there would be no "special" direction along which to orient an angular momentum vector.
 

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