Exploring How Electric/Magnetic Fields Affect Atomic Orbitals

In summary, the shape of atomic orbitals can change when exposed to electric or magnetic fields. The equation for the orbital is affected by the introduction of an external field, and even a static magnetic field can perturb the electron motion and cause changes in the orbital shape. This can be seen in extreme cases such as with magnetars, where the electron clouds are distorted and chemistry becomes impossible. Additionally, even without the electron's spin, there is coupling between the orbital angular momentum and a static magnetic field.
  • #1
Shubhamroy047
1
0
Does the shape of atomic orbital changes when exposed to electric or magnetic field?
 
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  • #2
What do you think?

Where does the orbital come from (solution of which equation)? How does that equation change when there is an external field?
 
  • #3
No and yes. The distances of electron clouds is quite short and the forces very strong. No magnetic field in everyday experience changes their shape in any non-negligible way. As DrClaude pointed out though, look at what the equations do when you introduce a magnetic field.

Magnetars are the super heavyweights of magnetism and do some wonky things to atoms. Hydrogen atoms stretch 200 times their normal length and distort electron clouds so much that chemistry becomes impossible. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetar
 
  • #4
newjerseyrunner said:
No magnetic field in everyday experience changes their shape in any non-negligible way.
This is incorrect. See, e.g., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_dipole_transition
It's weaker than an electric dipole transition, but it's comparable to an electric quadrupole transition.
 
  • #5
It's also worth pointing out that the field doesn't have to be time-dependent in order to perturb the electron motion. Think of the Hamiltonian for an electron in a B field with an added 1/r potential term.
 
  • #6
My mistake.

Interesting. The article Looks like it's talking about quantum effects of an electromagnetic wave. Does this apply to a static field? The original post to be is describing something like an atom next to a bar magnet.
 
  • #7
newjerseyrunner said:
Does this apply to a static field?
Yes. In the link I provided above, none of the terms in the Hamiltonian are required to be time dependent. Think about the motion of a free electron in a static B field, then add a 1/r potential for the nucleus. In fact, even without the electron's spin, you get coupling between the magnetic field generated by the electron's orbital angular momentum and the B field (assuming L≠0).
 
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1. How do electric and magnetic fields affect atomic orbitals?

Electric and magnetic fields can cause changes in the shape and energy levels of atomic orbitals. In the presence of an electric field, the electron distribution within an orbital may shift, resulting in a distorted shape. Magnetic fields, on the other hand, can cause the splitting of orbitals into different energy levels, known as the Zeeman effect.

2. What is the significance of exploring electric and magnetic fields in relation to atomic orbitals?

Understanding how electric and magnetic fields affect atomic orbitals is crucial in many fields of science, such as chemistry, physics, and materials science. It allows us to explain and predict the behavior of atoms and molecules in different environments, and also plays a crucial role in the development of technologies such as MRI machines.

3. How are electric and magnetic fields related to each other in their effects on atomic orbitals?

Electric and magnetic fields are closely related, as they are both forms of electromagnetic radiation. The strength and direction of an electric field can determine the strength and direction of a magnetic field, and vice versa. In the context of atomic orbitals, both fields can interact with the charged particles within the atom, resulting in changes to the orbitals.

4. Can electric and magnetic fields be used to manipulate atomic orbitals?

Yes, electric and magnetic fields can be used to manipulate atomic orbitals. This is known as field manipulation or field control, and it involves applying external fields to atoms or molecules to change their electronic and magnetic properties. This has potential applications in fields such as quantum computing and nanotechnology.

5. Are there any other factors that can affect atomic orbitals besides electric and magnetic fields?

Yes, there are other factors that can affect atomic orbitals, such as the presence of other atoms or molecules, temperature, and pressure. These factors can alter the electron distribution within the atom, resulting in changes to the shape and energy levels of the orbitals. Additionally, the nuclear charge and number of electrons in an atom also play a significant role in determining the properties of atomic orbitals.

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