How Do Electrons Exhibit Standing Wave Behavior in Atomic Orbits?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of electrons in atomic orbits, specifically addressing the concept of standing waves as described in Bohr's model of the atom. Participants clarify that while electrons exhibit wave-like properties, they do not radiate energy due to their quantized angular momentum. The standing wave behavior is explained through the Schrödinger equation, which depicts the electron's wave function as a spherical function rather than a circular wave. This distinction emphasizes the importance of superposition in understanding electron behavior in atomic structures.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Bohr's model of the atom
  • Familiarity with De Broglie's hypothesis on wave-particle duality
  • Basic knowledge of the Schrödinger equation
  • Concept of quantized angular momentum
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Schrödinger equation in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the concept of wave functions and their superposition properties
  • Investigate the differences between classical and quantum descriptions of atomic behavior
  • Learn about the implications of quantization in atomic orbitals
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Students of quantum mechanics, physicists, and educators looking to deepen their understanding of atomic structure and electron behavior in quantum systems.

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Could anyone please push to the right direction...

Bohr's model of Atom. Energy quantized. Angular momentum. - I understand that
Standing waves - know what it is.

But, when it come to the question why electrons being always accelerated don't radiate, I have a problem.

It says that, the behavior of an electron should be described as a standing wave.

Ok, according to De Broglie, every particle with velocity behave as a wave, but as far as I know, to have a standing wave you have to have basically 2 waves which propagate in opposite directions. Like if one wave reflects from somewhere and goes opposite direction for instance.

But in case of an electron, which flies one direction, we basically have only 1 wave which propagates one direction, means there is nothing which would compensate this wave.

How come that we consider behavior of an electron on an orbital as a standing wave if it flies one direction?

I understand if it would be infinite number of electrons on an orbital, then basically those electrons which are on the upper side of an atom, would compensate those electrons which are on the bottom side, but we have just one electron.

Question: how come that we consider behavior of an electron as a standing wave?
 

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In the Bohr model of the atom, the electron can be pictured as if you were doing a particle in the box calculation where the circumference of the orbit is analogous to the box length. In it, the electron is flying around the nucleus in a semi classical way.

However, in the more general case, DO NOT think of the electron as flying around the nucleus. The wave is a spherical function in the Schrödinger equation. not a circular standing wave. In fact, its not really wavy at all. It only has superposition properties like a wave.
 

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