Hydrogwn atom electron probability

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between electron probability density and Coulombic attraction in hydrogen atoms. It is established that the probability distribution of an electron is derived from Schrödinger's equation, which incorporates the potential function U(r) = -Ke²/r, reflecting the electrostatic force between protons and electrons. Despite this inclusion, the maximum probability does not occur at Bohr's radius, indicating that Coulombic attraction does not solely dictate the electron's probability distribution. The probability density decreases with increasing radius from the nucleus, challenging traditional interpretations of electron positioning.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum physics fundamentals
  • Familiarity with Schrödinger's equation
  • Knowledge of Coulomb's law and electrostatic forces
  • Basic concepts of atomic structure and electron probability density
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Schrödinger's equation in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the concept of probability density functions in quantum systems
  • Investigate the differences between classical and quantum models of atomic structure
  • Learn about the Bohr model and its limitations in explaining electron behavior
USEFUL FOR

Students and enthusiasts of quantum physics, physicists exploring atomic models, and educators teaching advanced concepts in atomic structure and electron behavior.

jd12345
Messages
251
Reaction score
2
Ok i don't know anything about quantum physsics but when i was reading about it( for the sake of learning new stuff) i had this question :-

Does the attraction between protons and electron play a role in determining where the electron probability is maximum at?
I was seeing the graph of probability density and radius :- it decreases as you go away from nucleus. So the coulombic attraction plays no role in determining where the max probability is? If the coulombic attraction played a role then max probability would be somewhere near the bohr's radius
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The probability distribution you have seen is calculated from Schroedinger's equation, which contains a potential function U(r) = -Ke^2/r which corresponds to Coulomb's electrostatic force.
 
If it contains the electrostatic force then the max probability should be near the bohrs radius but the graph doesn't show that
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
9K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K