Does an Electron in a Ground State S Orbital Cease to Orbit the Nucleus?

In summary, the orbital angular momentum quantum number of an electron in its ground state - s - state is zero, meaning that in S - state atoms, the electron has no orbital angular momentum. This raises the question of whether the electron stops orbiting the nucleus, or if we must abandon the particle notion of electron. Classically, this corresponds to an electron falling through the nucleus, but in quantum mechanics, the orientation of the line through the nucleus becomes indeterminate. Additionally, all orientations are equally probable, resulting in the spherical symmetry of the S state wavefunctions. Essentially, an electron in a ground state S orbital only has spin angular momentum and no orbital angular momentum.
  • #1
apkrishna1963
7
0
Orbital Angular momentum quantum number of an electron in its ground state - s - state is zero, l = 0. That means in S - state atom do not have orbital angular momentum. If it is not, then is electron stop orbiting round the nucleus? How to explain this aspect? Or wether we have to abndon the particle notion of electron ? Please make discussion.
 
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  • #2
Well, classically this corresponds to an electron falling tru and fru the nucleus. In QM, the orientation of the line through the nucleus becomes indeterminate.
 
  • #3
DrDu said:
Well, classically this corresponds to an electron falling tru and fru the nucleus. In QM, the orientation of the line through the nucleus becomes indeterminate.
Not only is the line's orientation indeterminate, but all orientations are equally probable. Hence the spherical symmetry of the S state wavefunctions.
 
  • #4
an electron in a ground state S orbital has no orbital angular momentum
it only has spin
 

Related to Does an Electron in a Ground State S Orbital Cease to Orbit the Nucleus?

1. What is Angular Momentum of an Atom?

The angular momentum of an atom is a measure of its rotational motion. It is a vector quantity that describes the angular velocity and direction of an atom's rotation around its nucleus.

2. How is Angular Momentum of an Atom calculated?

Angular momentum is calculated by multiplying the mass, velocity, and distance from the axis of rotation of an atom. This can be represented by the equation L = mvr.

3. What is the significance of Angular Momentum in an Atom?

Angular momentum plays a crucial role in determining the stability, energy levels, and behavior of atoms. It also helps in understanding the atomic structure and predicting the spectral lines of atoms.

4. How does the Angular Momentum of an Atom change?

The angular momentum of an atom can change when it absorbs or emits energy in the form of photons. This leads to the movement of electrons between different energy levels, resulting in a change in the atom's angular momentum.

5. Can the Angular Momentum of an Atom be controlled?

Yes, the angular momentum of an atom can be controlled by external forces such as magnetic fields. This is the principle behind techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron spin resonance (ESR) used in scientific research and medical imaging.

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