Influence of Orbitals on the mass of the electron

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    Electron Mass Orbitals
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between electron orbitals and the mass of an atom, specifically addressing the misconception that the mass of an electron changes based on its orbital. It is established that while the mass of an atom, such as hydrogen, is less than the sum of its constituent particles (proton and electron), this mass difference is attributed to the binding energy as described by E=mc². The mass of individual subatomic particles, including electrons, protons, and neutrons, does not change when they are bound within an atom, and the focus should remain on the mass of the entire atom rather than its individual components.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic structure and subatomic particles
  • Familiarity with the concept of binding energy
  • Knowledge of Einstein's mass-energy equivalence (E=mc²)
  • Basic principles of quantum mechanics, particularly electron orbitals
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of binding energy in atomic physics
  • Explore the implications of E=mc² in nuclear reactions
  • Study the differences between free and bound states of subatomic particles
  • Learn about quantum mechanics and its impact on atomic mass calculations
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, chemistry students, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of atomic mass and energy relationships in quantum mechanics.

Uzbar Zibil Tarag
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If Energy levels differ in accordance to the orbital, say like 2s and 3d orbitals, then shouldn't the mass of the electron then change to uphold E=mc^2?
Or is there something I am missing?
 
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You are correct in that the mass changes, but it isn't the mass of the electron that changes, it's the mass of the atom as a whole. In other words, an atom of hydrogen has slightly less mass than the sum of the masses of a free proton and free electron. This mass difference is proportional to the energy emitted when the electron and proton combine, with the exact amount found by using e=mc2.
 
While that does make sense, if the mass of the atom as a whole changes and the electrons don't change mass, then do the Neutrons or Proton, or in the case of the Hydrogen example, just the proton change mass to account for this change?
 
As far as I understand it, you can't say anything about the masses of each subatomic particle while they're bound in an atom. You can only say that the atom as a whole has less mass than the sum of the masses of the free particles. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable on this topic can explain it better than I can.
 

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