Electrons: Orbits, Collisions, & What Happens When They Collide

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the behavior of electrons, particularly regarding their orbits, potential collisions, and the implications of quantum mechanics on these interactions. It explores theoretical aspects, conceptual clarifications, and interpretations of electron behavior in atomic physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that electrons in discrete orbits do not collide in the classical sense, as they repel each other.
  • Others argue that while electrons cannot collide in a traditional manner, they can scatter off one another, which may be considered a form of collision.
  • The Pauli exclusion principle is mentioned, with some participants asserting that it prevents electrons from occupying the same quantum state, thus affecting their proximity.
  • There is a discussion about the role of spin as a quantum number, with some suggesting that electrons can be near each other if they have opposite spins.
  • A participant notes that in atomic physics, electrons are modeled as point particles, which theoretically have a zero probability of colliding, yet they interact through their electric fields.
  • Another participant clarifies that in quantum mechanics, a collision is defined by interactions between particles rather than physical contact, using examples from atomic transitions to illustrate this point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of electron collisions, with no consensus on whether electrons can truly collide or how to interpret their interactions in quantum mechanics.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in the discussion include varying interpretations of quantum mechanics, the definitions of collision, and the implications of the Pauli exclusion principle, which are not fully resolved.

shina
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Electrons moving at discrete orbits or shells ever collide or not. And what will happen if they collide with each other?
 
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Electrons repel each other. Can not collide.
 
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...and Pauli exclusion principle say that the electrons can not have same value of quantum numbers.
They can not be near each other
 
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t3rm1 said:
Electrons repel each other. Can not collide.
Depends what you mean by collide. Particles that repel each other can scatter off one-another, which is what must physicists would consider a collision.

t3rm1 said:
...and Pauli exclusion principle say that the electrons can not have same value of quantum numbers.
They can not be near each other
They can if they have opposite spin. Indeed, in certain electronic states there is an increase in the probability that two electrons will occupy the same position. Look up Fermi heap.
 
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shina said:
Electrons moving at discrete orbits or shells ever collide or not. And what will happen if they collide with each other?
They don't move in the classical sense, like planets orbiting a star. They are in stationary states that are fully dependent on the other electrons being present. See also my post above.
 
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The different spin is different quantum number.
This is that I wrote
 
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t3rm1 said:
The different spin is different quantum number.
This is that I wrote
You wrote that the fact that they have different quantum numbers means that "they can not be near each other," but they can have the same set of quantum numbers apart from spin, meaning that they have the same spatial wave function. I don't see therefore how this can lead to saying that they can't be near each other.
 
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t3rm1 is not helping.

In atomic physics, we model the electrons as point particles. Point particles have a zero probability of colliding. These models match the data to our ability to measure. Certainly electrons feel each other's electric field.
 
A collision in quantum mechanics refers to a scenario where you start with various particles moving in, there is some interaction, and you have various particles moving out. It's not something that involves two particles touching, and it's not something that happens at any particular time or place. Basically, we can look at the before and after pictures of two or more particles which come near each other and decide, was there a collision? For example, consider the following scenario: Before, we have a hydrogen atom in the 1s state and an electron. After, we have a hydrogen atom in the 2p state and an electron. We can conclude that the electron has collided with the atom and given it some energy.

With this in mind, there is no way to make sense of your question. You can have spontaneous processes like auto-ionization within a multi-electron atom. But I don't think that's what you had in mind.
 
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