How Are Orbits and Orbitals Similar and Different in Quantum Mechanics?

AI Thread Summary
Orbits and orbitals share the similarity of representing regions where particles, such as electrons, are found in relation to a nucleus. However, they differ significantly in their dimensionality and representation; orbits are two-dimensional paths derived from Bohr's model, while orbitals are three-dimensional probability distributions defined by quantum mechanics. Additionally, orbits are fixed, imaginary paths that electrons cannot deviate from, whereas orbitals represent clouds where electrons have a probability of being found, allowing for more freedom of movement. Furthermore, orbits can contain orbitals, indicating a hierarchical relationship between the two concepts. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the fundamentals of quantum mechanics.
rojasharma
Messages
64
Reaction score
0
describe one way in which orbits and orbitals are similar, and two ways in which they differ.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
one way in which orbits and orbitals are similar ...is their motion? they are revolving around somthing...?
 
rojasharma said:
describe one way in which orbits and orbitals are similar, and two ways in which they differ.

First, the difference is 2 letters: al
Second, the orbital is a 3-dimensional volume of space where the probability of finding some electron is given by Quantum theory.
The orbit, on the other hand, is 2-dimensional (a circle) and comes from Bohr's model.
 
1. Orbits contain orbitals ... atleast in an atom
2. Orbits are imaginary PATHS while Orbitals are imaginary CLOUDS
3. The particles in an orbit restrict themselves strictly to it, while orbital particles are free to move out of their clouds (but mosly stay in that cloud itself) :wink:
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »

Thread 'Rolling without slipping on a curved surface'

Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
View full post »

Similar threads

What is the Largest Quantum Number for Li3+ with a 60 Å Orbital Radius?
Replies
2
Views
926
Where in orbit should a rocket fire to escape with minimum ΔV
Replies
17
Views
2K
From circular orbit to elliptical orbit
Replies
3
Views
2K
Velocity required to escape the solar system
Replies
15
Views
1K
I How to derive orbital angular momentum of spins in quantum mechanics?
Replies
2
Views
504
Derivation process of Selection Rule of hydrogenic atom
Replies
1
Views
519
I Earth's orbit not perfect ellipse
Replies
19
Views
2K
Calculating Angle & Speed to Reach Planet's Moon from Station Orbit
Replies
1
Views
2K
Validity of Two-Fermion System Wavefunction with Quantum Numbers a and b
Replies
2
Views
1K
Doubt about the elliptic orbits of the planets
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top