Orbital Definition and 790 Threads

  1. K

    When to use HYBRIdiZED ORBITAL?

    Hi. I am wondering when should we use hybridized orbital? For PH3, we don't use hybridized orbital because it could be described by the valence shell method. The valence shell orbital diagram: p: [Ne] 3s:up down 3p: up up up And we have 3 up. so the 3 extra electrons from hydrogen...
  2. C

    Orbital period - Where does M1+M2 come from?

    I must say that I have not studied celestial mechanics other than the crumbs I learned at high school. Now, what discomforts me is the orbital period formula I saw on Wikipedia: T=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{a^3}{G(M_1+M_2)}} I do not understand where does this M1+M2 can possibly come from. My thinking is...
  3. E

    Orbital angular momentum possible values of an electron in a hydrogen atom

    Homework Statement What are the orbital angular momentum possible values for an electron in a hydrogen atom with a principal quantum number n = 3? Homework Equations L = \sqrt{l(l+1)}\hbar The Attempt at a Solution Possible values for l are 0, 1, 2. So, substituting these in...
  4. edguy99

    Does oxygen in water have an sp3 orbital structure?

    The angle of the water H2O molecule is 104.5°, the angle of ammonia H3N is 107°. The angle between 2 p-orbitals is 90°, the angle between 2 sp3 hybrid orbitals is 109°28', the tetrahedral angle. Why is it assumed that water is a "greatly" expanded p-orbital angle, rather then a "slightly"...
  5. DiracPool

    Orbital and energy shell transitions

    I've always learned that putting energy-photons into an atom can bump an electron up to a "higher energy state", and that when the electron "falls" back down into a lower energy state, it then emits a photon, and so forth. What I never seem to find, however, in these descriptions are any...
  6. L

    Gravitational potential energy, orbital speed, binding energy.

    Homework Statement a satellite having a mass of 1800 kg orbits the Earth at a distance of 6.3 x 10^5 m above the surface find the gravitational potential energy of the satellite while in orbit, the orbital speed and the binding satellite. The Attempt at a Solution gravitational potential...
  7. N

    How orbiting bodies arrange themselves in orbital resonance?

    Hi guys, my first post here :) lately I've been trying to understand how orbiting bodies (i.e. galileian moon of Jupiter) have arranged themselves in resonance the 1:1 resonance is pretty straightforward to understand. but more complex relations like the one I cited above, how do they...
  8. C

    Low and high orbital energy differences (getting there and back)

    First of all am I right in thinking that ( comparitivly ) low orbits such as the ISS need very high velocities (in the region on 17,000 mph ) and that orbits further out require less speed ? Is there a "sweet spot" orbit that requires a minimum velocity ? what's the minimum velocity...
  9. C

    What Are the Permissible (L,S) Pairs for J=1 in a System of Two Spin-1 Bosons?

    Homework Statement We have a system of 2 indistinguishable spin-1 bosons. We shall adopt the center of mass frame. Let S = total spin L = relative orbital angular momentum J = L+S = total angular momentum Prove that J = 2m where m is an integer. If given that J=1, what are the permissible...
  10. K

    Understanding orbital characteristics of a moon of a gas giant

    Hi, I am doing research for a story and would like to set it on a habitable moon in orbit around a gas giant. I've done a bit of research on this and understand that the moon would likely be tidally locked, so that only one face of the Moon would ever face the gas giant. I understand that...
  11. C

    Orbital Period of satellite in terms of v and r

    Homework Statement "A satellite orbits the Earth in a circular orbit of radius r. If the orbital speed of the satellite is v, what is the orbital period T of the satellite in terms of v and r? You must explain how you derive the expression for the period."Homework Equations Speed =...
  12. A

    Orbital decay of PSR B1913+16 and the use of averaged dE/dt vs. instantaneous dE/dt

    I've been looking at some sections in GR textbooks that deal with the orbital decay of the binary pulsar PSR B1913+16 (Straumann's General Relativity: With Applications to Astrophysics and Padmanabhan's Gravitation have some pretty good sections on this) , and I noticed something strange to do...
  13. P

    Determining Orbital Period of a Planet

    Using the equation P2 = (4 * pi2 * a3)/(G(M+m)) to find the orbital period of Earth where: P = orbital period a = semi-major axis = 1.50e11 m G = 6.67e-11 m3 kg-1 s-2 M = mass of sun (in this case) = 1.989e30 kg m = mass of Earth = 5.972e24 kg I have been trying to find the orbital...
  14. A

    What Determines the Presence of a P-Orbital in an Atom's Electron Configuration?

    Hi, I understand that there are various types of orbitals (s, p, d, f, etc.) If we take Lithium for example, its electron configuration would be 1s2, 2s1. What would be the requirements for there to be a p-orbital? Does it have to do with the number of electrons? Thanks,
  15. E

    3d orbital after 3p?Why not 4s?

    Why Group 15 elements(except Nitrogen) have empty d orbitals while bonding? Aufbau Principle states that electrons are added in orbitals only in the increasing order of energy of sub-shells.Also Bohr Bury rule adds to the above principle that increasing order of energy depends on the value of...
  16. 1

    Molecular Orbital Theory: Explaining a "Dot" Representing No Interaction

    Question on Molecular Orbital Theory (and the "dot" that represents no interaction) I have a question about the "dot" that represents no interaction between orbitals. For example, in the molecular orbitals of H3, there is the lowest energy molecular orbital that has two bonding interactions...
  17. N

    Understanding Orbital Magnetic Moments in 1-Electron Atoms

    Hi I am reading about quantization of orbital angular momentum and, as I read, I am trying to compare it to the theory I already know on how atoms behave in magnetic fields. Here is the situation so far (I only look at 1-electron atoms to keep it simple for now): I assume the quantization...
  18. R

    Orbital slingshot energy - energy from gravity?

    I am not a physicist, as will be indicated by what may turn out to be a ridiculous question, but this was something that popped into my head while day dreaming :shy: Star A Planet B Am I right in saying that if Planet B were to approach Star A at the correct angle, it could slingshot...
  19. D

    Orbital elements - what's wrong with my calculation?

    Homework Statement Ok so this satellite is orbiting the earth. The position vector is r = -0.707i + 0.707j + 0k and velocity vector is v = 0i + 0.5j + 0k. To find Vo (the angle between vector n and e), my book said the formula to use is arccos{(e dot r)/(|e||r|)}. However, I got 98 degree by...
  20. R

    Addition of orbital angular momentum in valence 4f^2 electronic configuration

    I am trying to self-learn quantum mechanics pertaining to Lanthanide ions. For a given set of J and MJ quantum numbers in a valence 4f^2 electronic configuration, J=0,2,4,6 and MJ=0,6,-6. The |J,MJ> basis functions are |0,0>, |2,0>, |4,0>, 1/2[|6,6>+|6,-6>]+sqrt(1/2)|6,0>, and...
  21. M

    How would Earth mass loss theoretically affect its orbital mechanics?

    Firstly, what happens to Earth's orbit around the sun should it gain or lose mass? I would instinctively guess that a less massive Earth would have less gravitational attraction to the sun, therefore widening the orbit. However, I understand that orbital mechanics can run counter-intuitively...
  22. X

    If each orbital can hold a maximum of 3 electrons

    Homework Statement If each orbital can hold a maximum of 3 electrons, the number of elements in the 4th period of long form of periodic table will be? Homework Equations ? The Attempt at a Solution I am not able to decide from where should I begin?
  23. H

    Sun Orbital Scanner: Magnifying Star Systems to Detect Planets

    If we had an array of detectors in an orbit around the sun could we magnify the image of distant star systems. Would this help to detect planets using this magnification?
  24. Q

    P orbital lobes tangent to plane of nucleus

    I read the following on a page about atomic orbitals (p and d orbitals in particular) which seem 2 me like 3d lemniscates (figures 8 or ∞ rotated about an axis of symmetry to form tear drop pairs or toruses. http://www.chemguide.co.uk/atoms/properties/atomorbs.html Taking chemistry further...
  25. USeptim

    Wave function collapse by orbital angular momentum operator Lz

    I have some doubts about the implications of the orbital angular operators and its eigenvectors (maybe the reason is that I have a weak knowledge on QM). If we choose the measurement of the z axis and therefore the Lz operator, the are the following spherical harmonics for l=1...
  26. W

    Formulation of orbital kinetic energy

    For a radial potential proportional to r^k, the virial theorem says \bar{T}=c(k)\bar{V}. My problem says to show that c(k)=k/2 for a circular orbit. I actually solved the problem all ready (by setting the gradiant of the potential equal to the centripetal force and solving for 1/2*m*v^2.)...
  27. F

    Atomic many-electron configurations and the use of the orbital quantum number

    Hi, For single-electron atomic systems, the electron can be specified by four quantum numbers n, l, m_l, m_s (principal, orbital, z-orbital, z-spin). The orbital quantum numbers are well defined since the problem is spherically symmetric. However, for many-electron systems, the spherical...
  28. C

    Prove the wave function for dxy orbital

    Homework Statement "The angular part of the wave function for the dxy orbital is (√(15/∏)/4)sin^2(θ)sin(2\phi). Show that this expression corresponds to the dxy orbital" Homework Equations conversion of Cartesian to spherical coordinates: r=√(x^2+y^2+z^2) cosθ=z/r tan(\phi)=y/x...
  29. D

    Universal gravitation 2- determine the planet's orbital period

    Homework Statement A planet's mean distance from the sun is 2.00x10^11 m. Determine the planet's orbital period. Use information found in textbook. Homework Equations So I use the following equations: R=h+Rs T=2∏√(R3/GxMs) From the textbook I got the following values...
  30. G

    Calculating Pluto's Orbital Time Above/Below Ecliptic

    I'm trying to determine the length of time Pluto spends above/below the ecliptic. I've got these figures: semi-major axis: 39.264 AU semi-minor axis: 34.031 AU orbital eccentricity: 0.249 approx orbital circumference: 230.85 AU orbital inclination is 17.142° (I'm thinking this number...
  31. R

    Orbital Hybridisation: Myth or Misconception?

    Is it basically wrong? It just seems like hand-waving...
  32. F

    Does diamagnetism cause a faster orbital spin

    Due to diamagnetism in certain substances such as water, does this cause a faster orbital spin due to the change in magnetic dipole moment induced by an external magnet? I'm doing a Science-fair project at the moment and this is eluding me Thank you
  33. M

    Orbital period of satellite about a nonrotating body

    Homework Statement A satellite is in circular orbit at an altitude of 1000 km above the surface of a nonrotating planet with n orbital speed of 5.3 km/s. The escape velocity for the planet is 11.3 km/s. In this situation the orbital period of the satellite, in minutes, is...? Homework...
  34. D

    Request for Link on orbital decay energy characteristics

    While reading an older article by Schrodinger on Causality a question occurred to me about the nature of energy/time characteristics of light emitted by electron orbital decay. I have been thinking for some time on the relationship/contrasts between generation of lower frequency (ie radio)...
  35. R

    Question about molecular orbital theory

    I know that the sigma 2p bonding orbital could be less/higher in energy than the pi 2p bonding (based on if it is C2,N2,B2 etc), but Why is the sigma 2p antibonding orbital always higher in energy than the pi 2p antibonding one?
  36. C

    Deriving an equation for orbital period

    Hi guys, I derived an equation for determining orbital period, given an altitude, speed, and mass of the primary and the object orbiting it. I think it makes sense, but I'd welcome anyone who is willing to check it for conceptual error or nonsensical math. Here is the equation: P = \frac{2 \pi...
  37. M

    Magnetic Field Orbital Splitting

    Hi friends. I'm doing a homework problem about how degenerate orbitals split in the presence of a magnetic field. I understand everything, but I was just had a question about notation. ΔE, the energy between degenerate orbitals in a magnetic field equals μB = (e*hbar/2m)B I was just...
  38. P

    Find Aphelion of an elliptical orbit given Perihelion and Orbital Period

    Homework Statement Comet Halley approaches the Sun to within 0.570 AU, and its orbital period is 75.6 years. (AU is the symbol for astronomical unit, where 1 AU = 1.50 x 1011 m is the mean Earth‐Sun distance.) How far from the Sun will Halleyʹs comet travel before it starts its return...
  39. N

    Sp and sp2 orbital hybridisation, constructive and destructive.

    Hello! When an s and a p orbital are hybridised to give and sp orbital, two orbitals are produced. According to my chemistry book, there are two orbitals due to in-phase and out-of-phase combinations of the the s and p orbitals. When we progress to sp2 hybridisation, there are three orbitals...
  40. M

    Orbital velocity and rotational velocity

    Hi Is "orbital velocity" supposed to be the same as "rotational velocity"? it seems that a "rotation curve" is supposed to plot the rotational velocity of a star, but then some articles e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_rotation_problem claim "orbital speed" is plotted. The equation...
  41. L

    Antibonding orbital, LUMO and HOMO

    Hi there I have some questions regarding those three things. First off, the antibonding orbital, which I am having a hard time comprehending. So as far as I understand most atoms in organic chemistry have those antibonding orbitals, for instance a carbonyl carbon, where I imagne the...
  42. G

    Writing 4 Quantum Numbers for Electron in 3D Orbital

    what are the different ways to write four quantum numbers that designate an electron in a 3d orbital
  43. V

    Addition of grav potentials / Orbital velocity

    The Attempt at a Solution I think I may of been too general with the volume in finding M_0 I'm assuming r_0 = r_M although I'm not sure why different notation is used thougj http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/3/gravscan.jpg/
  44. S

    What is the Speed and Angle of a Comet Crossing Earth's Orbit?

    Hey, here is the problem: The minimum distance of a comet from the Sun is observed to be half the radius of the Earth’s orbit (assumed circular) and its speed at that point is twice the orbital speed v(earth) of the Earth. The Earth’s and comet’s orbits are coplanar. Find the comet’s speed...
  45. D

    Orbital Velocity due to a Dark Matter Halo

    Homework Statement I am struggling to calculate the gravitational force from a dark matter halo given that its density is given by ρ(r) = ρ0r02/r2. Once i have found the force i plan to equate it to the centripetal force, F = mv2/r, to find the velocity, v. Homework Equations Density...
  46. K

    Orbital angular disp. in 1 day & centrip. force and Acceleration of planets help

    As from the title, I am trying to find for Venus, Earth, and Neptune: a) the orbital angular displacement in one day in radians b) the centripetal acceleration c) the centripetal force Relevant Equations: Centrip accel: ac=v^2/r=4pie^2/T^2 Centrip force: Fc=ma=mv^2/r=4pie^2mr/T^2...
  47. W

    Orbital Angular Momentum Origin

    We know from classical mechanics that angular momentum L = r \times p depends on your choice of origin. My question is: How does this work quantum mechanically? We know we get certain eigenvalues, but does this apply only in a certain choice of origin? How do we calculate angular momentum at...
  48. J

    Derivation of formula for orbital ranges in hydrogen atom

    I almost have the answer, I'm sure there's just a minor flaw in my reasoning. Here it goes: We're given that the angular momentum of the atom is integer multiples of h-bar (n\hbar) (integer depending on the orbit). Now the centripetal force is given by F = \frac{mv^2}{r} = \frac{p^2}{mr} =...
  49. J

    Uncertainty of planetary orbital period

    I've been searching all over the place, and I cannot find any data showing the error bars of orbital periods of planets. Once source estimates the uncertainty of Jupiter to be "1 arcsec per 250 years" but I cannot find anything to back this up. Does anybody have any hints as to where I should...
  50. MikeGomez

    Energy tolerance for orbital of electrons

    An exact energy level is required to bring an electron from one orbital to another. For example with hydrogen, for an electron to go from the ground state to the third orbital requires a photon with an energy of 12.09eV. But what is the tolerance? In other words, how close to that frequency...
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