Why will chlorine atom attract electron.

  • Thread starter Thread starter sbhit2001
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Atom Electron
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the attraction of an isolated electron towards a neutral chlorine atom. It is established that while a neutral chlorine atom has no net Coulombic force acting on the electron from a distance, the attraction arises from the effective nuclear charge as the electron approaches the atom. As the electron gets closer, the influence of the positively charged protons in the chlorine nucleus becomes significant, leading to an attractive force that draws the electron in. This phenomenon is rooted in the principles of atomic structure and electrostatics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic structure and electron configuration
  • Knowledge of Coulomb's law and electrostatic forces
  • Familiarity with concepts of effective nuclear charge
  • Basic principles of quantum mechanics related to electron behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of effective nuclear charge in detail
  • Study Coulomb's law and its applications in atomic interactions
  • Explore quantum mechanics principles, particularly electron orbitals
  • Investigate the behavior of electrons in electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Students studying chemistry, physics enthusiasts, and educators looking to deepen their understanding of atomic interactions and electron behavior in relation to atomic nuclei.

sbhit2001
Messages
17
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Suppose that there is an isolated chlorine atom and there is an isolated electron in its surroundings. Then what force will act on the electron to pull it towards the atom.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I know that chlorine will attract the electron but I am unable to identify what force will be acting on the electron to pull it towards the chlorine atom. I think that as the chlorine atom is neutral there will be 0 net coulombic attractive force towards the atom on the electron. Then how will the electron be attracted towards the nucleus? Please help me...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
From a large distance there is no net coulombic force an thus no attractive force. What do you think will happen as the electron gets much closer?
 

Similar threads

If atoms are neutral, how do they share electrons
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Chemistry Determining the positive and negative poles of a molecule
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Why do atoms want to complete their shells?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Can Covalent Bonds form between atoms with no electrons?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Electropositivity - 2nd opinion needed
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Born-Haber Cycle: Formation of a Chlorine Atom
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
What are the potential products of the reaction between acetylene and HOCl?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Chemistry Calculating Moles of Chlorine Atoms in 71g of MCl2
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Equal electronegativities and covalent bond formation
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Do metal atoms have dispersion force?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K