- #1
feynmann
- 156
- 1
Why does in QM the electron does not fall toward the nucleus? After all, the only force between nucleus and electron is attractive. It seems that the electron can and does indeed fall toward the center in <simple harmonic oscillator>?
My question is what's so different in these two systems that cause two different results?
It seems that the argument in the FAQ would fail in the case of s.h.o.
If that's the case, does it mean the argument is wrong in the first place?
My question is what's so different in these two systems that cause two different results?
It seems that the argument in the FAQ would fail in the case of s.h.o.
If that's the case, does it mean the argument is wrong in the first place?
ZapperZ said:The solution here is the implementation of Quantum Mechanics via the Schrödinger Equation and the concept of wavefunction. By applying such formalism, the “electron” occupies a volume of space simultaneously, so that it is “smeared” in a particular geometry around the nucleus. While there are no more “orbits”, we do use the term “orbitals” to indicate the shape of such geometry. However, this term should not be confused to mean an orbiting electron similar to our planets in the solar system. By describing the system in terms of the QM wavefunction, it creates stable states for the nucleus+electrons system that matches very well with experimental observation of standard atomic spectra. Zz.
Last edited: