The discussion centers on the relationship between the number of protons in an element and its physical properties, specifically contrasting gold (Au, atomic number 79) and mercury (Hg, atomic number 80). The number of protons determines the number of electrons, which, through Schrödinger's equation and the exclusion principle, influences the geometry of electron shells. Gold's unfilled electron shell allows for stronger atomic interactions, resulting in robust bonding, while mercury's filled shells obscure the nucleus, leading to weaker bonds and a liquid state at room temperature. This relationship highlights the critical role of electron configuration in defining elemental properties.
PREREQUISITESChemistry students, theoretical chemists, and anyone interested in the fundamental properties of elements and their atomic structure.
Dr Lots-o'watts said:Here's a sample crude line of thought.
1. The number of protons dictate the number of electrons.
2. The number of electrons, along with shroedinger's equation and the exclusion principle (Quantum Mechanics), dictate the geometry of the electron shells.
3. In gold 79, the odd number suggests there is a shell that is not filled, so the nucleus can better interact through it and make bonds with other atoms.
4. In mercury 80, the number is even, and it so happens that its particular shells better hide the nucleus from exterior atoms. Bonds are thus much weaker than with gold. In the case of mercury, so weak that it's liquid (in Xenon, so weak that it's gas).
Another line of thought :
The shells dictate the atomic radius, which largely defines crystal structure, which defines the energy levels, which define which colors can be absorbed or emitted.
The shape of electron orbitals are described by quantum mechanics, and how these orbitals define macroscopic properties is the subject of theoretical chemistry.
granpa said:its the electrons that determine the chemical properties