Exchange energy of electrons in degenerate orbitals

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the concept of exchange energy and its role in the stability of half-filled and fully filled orbitals in atomic structures. Exchange energy is understood to be higher in these configurations, contributing to their stability. However, there is confusion regarding the mechanism of electron position exchange in degenerate orbitals. It is clarified that the notion of electrons "wanting" to exchange positions is not accurate; rather, the stability arises from mathematical factors related to orbital overlap. The conversation also touches on the nature of electron behavior, emphasizing that electrons do not have fixed positions but exist in a probabilistic wave function, and that orbitals represent eigenstates of the energy operator. The core inquiry remains focused on understanding how exchange energy influences stability and its significance in quantum mechanics.
hav0c
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We are taught that a reason for the stability of half filled or fully filled orbitals is due to the high exchange energy.
Now i get why the exchange energy would be higher compared to other configurations but i don't understand why electrons present in degenerate orbitals would want to exchange their positions..
 
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some different topics:
1)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_electron_transition
2)
An electron jumps between orbitals in the same way as it moves around within a single orbital; "nature's law". The difference is that to change orbitals, some of the quantum numbers of the electrons have to changes.
3)
An electron does not have a position but occupies all space. Observations of the electron position are given in the wave function. Also related to the probability distribution function.
4)
The orbitals are eigen states of energy operator. Electron can exist in any state, but this state is representable by superposition of eigenstates.
 
janhaa said:
some different topics:
1)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_electron_transition
2)
An electron jumps between orbitals in the same way as it moves around within a single orbital; "nature's law". The difference is that to change orbitals, some of the quantum numbers of the electrons have to changes.
3)
An electron does not have a position but occupies all space. Observations of the electron position are given in the wave function. Also related to the probability distribution function.
4)
The orbitals are eigen states of energy operator. Electron can exist in any state, but this state is representable by superposition of eigenstates.
Alright but i still haven't got my answer
 
hav0c said:
We are taught that a reason for the stability of half filled or fully filled orbitals is due to the high exchange energy.
Now i get why the exchange energy would be higher compared to other configurations but i don't understand why electrons present in degenerate orbitals would want to exchange their positions..

I'm not sure I understand your question. I don't think it's about "electrons wanting to exchange their positions", I think it's a mathematical factor that depends on the overlap of different orbitals.
 
Einstein Mcfly said:
I think it's a mathematical factor that depends on the overlap of different orbitals.

can you please elaborate?
my actual question is -how is exchange energy a relevant factor to stability and what is it actually.
 
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