I Most Likely Position of an Electron

  • Thread starter Thread starter bob012345
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Electron Position
Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the probability density of an electron in a hydrogen atom, particularly in the 1s state. The radial probability density peaks at the Bohr radius, indicating that the electron is most likely found at this distance from the nucleus, rather than at the nucleus itself where the probability density is zero. The debate highlights the distinction between "most probable" and "probable," emphasizing that while the electron has a high probability density at certain distances, it does not mean it is likely to be found near the nucleus. Additionally, the conversation touches on the complexities of quantum mechanics, including the non-commutative nature of position variables and the implications for interpreting electron position. Overall, the discussion underscores the nuanced understanding required when analyzing electron distributions in quantum systems.
  • #31
Vanadium 50 said:
My point is that they don't commute with the variables you have already specified. Maybe that was unclear.

And while you can calculate what the probability was, you cant calculate what it is. "The electron is in a 1S state" and "the electron is over here" (or even "not over here") are incompatible.
Sigh. Of course you can, in principle, ask about the position of an electron in the 1S state of a hydrogen atom. Nothing forbids to measure observables of a system only because the system is not in an eigenstate of the measured observable. It's only that due to the preparation in this state the position is indetermined, and you'll find a probability density when repeating the same measurement on many electrons prepared in this 1S state.
 

Similar threads

Replies
43
Views
5K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
7K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
6K