Electron remain as particle in atoms?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of electrons in atoms, specifically whether they are considered point particles or standing waves. Participants explore the implications of wave-particle dualism and seek clarification on the current understanding and evidence supporting these views.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the current thinking is that electrons remain point particles when orbiting an atomic nucleus, while others argue that wave-particle dualism applies, indicating that electrons exhibit wavelike properties under normal circumstances.
  • There is a claim that in high energy scattering experiments, electrons can appear as point particles, but this raises questions about the compatibility of these two perspectives.
  • One participant seeks clarification on what is being scattered in high energy experiments and references historical experiments like Rutherford's to illustrate their point.
  • Another participant provides a link to a previous discussion on Compton scattering, suggesting it may contain relevant resources.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express conflicting views regarding whether electrons are best described as point particles or as standing waves, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the wave-particle dualism and its implications, but there are unresolved questions about the definitions and conditions under which electrons exhibit particle-like or wave-like behavior.

exmarine
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I guess I'll take pot luck and ask another question here. I think I read somewhere that the current thinking is that the electron remains as a point or particle, even when it "orbits" an atomic nucleus. Yet I thought that deBroglie's contribution was that the electron is some sort of standing "wave" when orbiting a nucleus. Aren't those two things incompatible? Doesn't a standing wave require some sort of extended structure in space? So my questions are:

1. Is the current thinking that the electron is a point particle in the atom?
2. If so, what is the evidence for that?

Thanks,
BB
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1. Is the current thinking that the electron is a point particle in the atom?
No. Yes.

The wave-particle dualism holds in an atom, too. Under normal circumstances, the wavelike proerties are donminating its appearance, but if you look at high energy scattering, you'll find a point particle.

Aren't those two things incompatible?
Yes. No.
 
So in high energy scattering the electrons appear as particles? What is being scattered, other electrons? The only thing I can find are the Rutherford experiments with alpha particles hitting gold foil, etc. Can you recommend any papers or books? (I don't have access to grad school resources...) Thanks.
 

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