The discussion revolves around the question of why electrons do not collapse into the nucleus despite the attractive electrostatic forces between their negative charge and the positive charge of the nucleus. It explores theoretical models, particularly the Bohr model and quantum mechanics, and addresses concepts like the uncertainty principle and electron behavior in atomic structures.
Participants express differing views on the adequacy of the Bohr model versus the quantum mechanical model, and there is no consensus on a singular explanation for why electrons do not collapse into the nucleus. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.
Some limitations include the dependence on interpretations of quantum mechanics, the implications of the uncertainty principle, and the specific conditions under which phenomena like electron capture occur. These aspects are not fully resolved within the discussion.
But why does the electron stay at a distance away from the nucleus instead of sticking?Bystander said:The Bohr atom and little tiny charged marbles "orbiting" one another like a miniature solar system is NOT a reflection of what is actually happening; it WAS a model that was used well over a century ago to investigate certain initial hypotheses of the mechanics of very small systems. The current quantum mechanical model of interactions of electrons with atomic nuclei gives you ONLY the probability of finding an electron at a certain distance "r" in a certain direction θ, φ from the nucleus. It does not describe an orbital trajectory.
It is due to the uncertainty principle. If the electron is stuck to the nucleus then the uncertainty in its position is very small so the uncertainty in its momentum is very large. This in turn means that the average kinetic energy is high. Since an atom likes to be in a low-energy state it will give off energy to go to a state where the position is more uncertain and the momentum less uncertain.icecubebeast said:But why does the electron stay at a distance away from the nucleus instead of sticking?
Bystander said:The current quantum mechanical model of interactions of electrons with atomic nuclei gives you ONLY the probability of finding an electron at a certain distance "r" in a certain direction θ, φ from the nucleus.
icecubebeast said:If the electrons are negative charged and nucleus is positively charged, then why do electrons still orbit around the nucleus at a distance and not just stick to the nucleus?