Electron remain as particle in atoms?

In summary, the current thinking is that the electron in an atom exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties. Under normal circumstances, the electron appears as a standing wave when orbiting the nucleus, as suggested by deBroglie's contribution. However, in high energy scattering experiments, the electron is observed as a point particle. This dualism poses the question of whether a standing wave requires an extended structure in space, which remains unresolved. The evidence for the electron being a point particle in the atom comes from high energy scattering experiments, such as the Rutherford experiments with alpha particles. Further research and resources, such as the Compton scattering phenomenon, may shed light on this topic.
  • #1
exmarine
241
11
I guess I'll take pot luck and ask another question here. I think I read somewhere that the current thinking is that the electron remains as a point or particle, even when it "orbits" an atomic nucleus. Yet I thought that deBroglie's contribution was that the electron is some sort of standing "wave" when orbiting a nucleus. Aren't those two things incompatible? Doesn't a standing wave require some sort of extended structure in space? So my questions are:

1. Is the current thinking that the electron is a point particle in the atom?
2. If so, what is the evidence for that?

Thanks,
BB
 
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  • #2
1. Is the current thinking that the electron is a point particle in the atom?
No. Yes.

The wave-particle dualism holds in an atom, too. Under normal circumstances, the wavelike proerties are donminating its appearance, but if you look at high energy scattering, you'll find a point particle.

Aren't those two things incompatible?
Yes. No.
 
  • #3
So in high energy scattering the electrons appear as particles? What is being scattered, other electrons? The only thing I can find are the Rutherford experiments with alpha particles hitting gold foil, etc. Can you recommend any papers or books? (I don't have access to grad school resources...) Thanks.
 

FAQ: Electron remain as particle in atoms?

What is an electron?

An electron is a subatomic particle with a negative charge that orbits the nucleus of an atom. It is one of the fundamental particles that make up atoms and is essential for chemical reactions and electricity.

Why do electrons remain as particles in atoms?

Electrons remain as particles in atoms due to the forces of attraction between the negatively charged electrons and the positively charged protons in the nucleus. These forces of attraction, known as the electromagnetic force, keep the electrons in orbit around the nucleus.

Can electrons behave as both particles and waves?

Yes, electrons can behave as both particles and waves. This is known as wave-particle duality and is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics.

How do electrons contribute to the properties of atoms?

Electrons contribute to the properties of atoms in various ways. The number and arrangement of electrons in an atom determine its chemical properties, such as reactivity and bonding. The movement of electrons also contributes to the electrical and magnetic properties of atoms.

Can electrons exist outside of atoms?

Yes, electrons can exist outside of atoms. In certain conditions, such as in a vacuum or in a plasma state, electrons can exist independently as free particles. However, they are more commonly found in atoms due to the forces of attraction between the electrons and the nucleus.

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