How does electron change properties of matter?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether electrons change the properties of matter, exploring concepts related to free radicals, antioxidants, and the electronic structure of atoms and molecules. Participants delve into the implications of electron manipulation in chemistry and physics, touching on quantum mechanics and its relationship to chemical properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the addition of electrons, as seen in the context of antioxidants and free radicals, can change the properties of cells and potentially other forms of matter.
  • One participant emphasizes that understanding how electrons affect matter is fundamental to chemistry, suggesting that the question is complex and lacks a simple answer.
  • Another participant argues that while chemistry is explained by quantum mechanics, it does not necessarily start at the quantum level, indicating that different scientific disciplines may begin their analyses at various levels of abstraction.
  • There is a discussion about the effects of applying electrical potential to molecules, with one participant noting that this can change properties through polarization, while another clarifies that the number of electrons in an atom is known and that the addition or removal of electrons is central to chemical reactions.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the manipulation of electrons and inquires whether it is possible to construct matter by changing atomic properties using electric, laser, or magnetic forces.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether all sciences start at the quantum level, and there are differing views on the implications of electron manipulation in changing properties of matter. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions about the starting points of various scientific disciplines and the specifics of electron manipulation techniques. Some participants express uncertainty about the exact mechanisms and implications of changing atomic properties.

karolism
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Guys, who knows why admin delete posts like this?? I'm new there and maybe do not know all rules.

iniatial question was does electrons change properties of matter? If we talk about free radicals and antioxidants - it's problem of unpared electron, so by adding it via antioxidants it change properties of cell. So maybe in other fields there is option to change matter by adding some particles?
 
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The study of how chemical properties arise from the electronic structure of atoms and molecules is pretty much the heart and soul of chemistry. So if you ask how electrons affect the property of matter, you're essentially asking "how does chemistry work?".

So for obvious reasons, nobody can really give a short answer to that question.
 
alxm said:
The study of how chemical properties arise from the electronic structure of atoms and molecules is pretty much the heart and soul of chemistry. So if you ask how electrons affect the property of matter, you're essentially asking "how does chemistry work?".

So for obvious reasons, nobody can really give a short answer to that question.

But all siencies at the end starts at quantum level? so this is why I posted here. Like when apply molecule with current (220V) what is simple way a lot of electrons, properties of molecule will change is not so? So maybe nobody knows exactly how much electrons holds atom, but if you add it , properties somehow will change?
 
No, I wouldn't say that all sciences start at the quantum level. Physics doesn't; as theoretical physicists are trying to come up with a more fundamental theory than quantum mechanics.

Chemistry is all explained by quantum mechanics, but it doesn't quite 'start' with QM. It essentially starts with the slightly higher-level description in terms of MO theory, etc, so only specialists in physical chemistry/quantum chemistry treat the thing explicitly quantum-mechanically.

Similarly, molecular biologists don't concern themselves with chemical bonding, but rather start at the molecular level. And physiologists may start at the cellular level. And so on.
Like when apply molecule with current (220V) what is simple way a lot of electrons, properties of molecule will change is not so?

Well, no it's an electrical potential, not necessarily a lot of electrons. But yes, it'll change the properties; it'll polarize the atom or molecule (the Stark Effect)

So maybe nobody knows exactly how much electrons holds atom, but if you add it , properties somehow will change?

I don't really know what you're trying to say here. In general, if you know what an atom or molecule is, then you know how many electrons it has. Otherwise you wouldn't know what it was. A proton is a proton (or hydrogen ion), a proton with one electron is a hydrogen atom. A proton with two electrons is a hydride ion.

The addition or removal of electrons from atoms is the process of chemical reduction/oxidation. It's quite important and a pretty central form of reaction to chemistry.
 
I'm not good enough in chemistry, but theoretically if electron change properties of atom it change properties of matter. Are there any manipulations with this where I can read on web? Just stupid question - if properties are changed - so it would be possible to play and construct some matter out of it? Like LEGO - is not that what QM science do now? not just atom+atom, but by changing properties of atom with electric, laser or magnetic forces?
 

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