Tush said:Please help me in clearing my basic doubt
We all know that positive charges are concentrated at the centre of the atom , known as nucleus and electrons revolves around the nucleus in orbits. Is it necessary to assume that orbits are circular ?
the_house said:Some of them are spherically symmetric (the probability of finding that electron only depends on the distance from the nucleus), but others are not.
Atomic structure refers to the arrangement and behavior of subatomic particles, such as protons, neutrons, and electrons, within an atom. It is important because it helps us understand the properties and behavior of matter, and it provides a foundation for many scientific fields, including chemistry and physics.
The assumption of circular orbits in atomic structure is based on the Bohr model, which was developed in the early 20th century. This model suggested that electrons move in circular orbits around the nucleus, similar to the way planets orbit the sun. While this model has since been replaced by more complex models, the assumption of circular orbits still serves as a useful simplification for understanding atomic structure.
No, orbits in atomic structure are not actually circular. In reality, the paths of electrons around the nucleus are more complex and cannot be accurately described as circles. The Bohr model has been replaced by more accurate models, such as the quantum mechanical model, which describes electron behavior using probability distributions rather than fixed orbits.
The assumption of circular orbits allows us to make predictions and calculations about atomic behavior that are close enough to reality for practical purposes. However, it is important to remember that this assumption is just a simplification and does not accurately reflect the true behavior of electrons in atoms. As our understanding of atomic structure has evolved, we have developed more accurate models that do not rely on the assumption of circular orbits.
No, we cannot directly observe the paths of electrons around the nucleus in atoms. The behavior of electrons can only be described through mathematical models and indirect observations, such as spectroscopic studies. However, these models and observations have shown that the assumption of circular orbits is not accurate and that electrons have more complex behaviors in atoms.