Electrons: Orbits, Collisions, & What Happens When They Collide

In summary, electrons in an atom do not move in the classical sense and can only occupy stationary states dependent on the other electrons present. They do not collide in the traditional sense, but can scatter off each other due to their repulsion. The Pauli exclusion principle states that electrons cannot have the same quantum numbers, but they can be near each other if they have opposite spin. This can lead to scenarios where an electron gives energy to an atom, but there is no physical collision involved.
  • #1
shina
21
0
Electrons moving at descrete orbits or shells ever collide or not. And what will happen if they collide with each other?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Electrons repel each other. Can not collide.
 
  • Like
Likes shina
  • #3
...and Pauli exclusion principle say that the electrons can not have same value of quantum numbers.
They can not be near each other
 
  • Like
Likes shina
  • #4
t3rm1 said:
Electrons repel each other. Can not collide.
Depends what you mean by collide. Particles that repel each other can scatter off one-another, which is what must physicists would consider a collision.

t3rm1 said:
...and Pauli exclusion principle say that the electrons can not have same value of quantum numbers.
They can not be near each other
They can if they have opposite spin. Indeed, in certain electronic states there is an increase in the probability that two electrons will occupy the same position. Look up Fermi heap.
 
  • Like
Likes shina
  • #5
shina said:
Electrons moving at descrete orbits or shells ever collide or not. And what will happen if they collide with each other?
They don't move in the classical sense, like planets orbiting a star. They are in stationary states that are fully dependent on the other electrons being present. See also my post above.
 
  • Like
Likes shina
  • #6
The different spin is different quantum number.
This is that I wrote
 
  • Like
Likes shina
  • #7
t3rm1 said:
The different spin is different quantum number.
This is that I wrote
You wrote that the fact that they have different quantum numbers means that "they can not be near each other," but they can have the same set of quantum numbers apart from spin, meaning that they have the same spatial wave function. I don't see therefore how this can lead to saying that they can't be near each other.
 
  • Like
Likes shina
  • #8
t3rm1 is not helping.

In atomic physics, we model the electrons as point particles. Point particles have a zero probability of colliding. These models match the data to our ability to measure. Certainly electrons feel each other's electric field.
 
  • #9
A collision in quantum mechanics refers to a scenario where you start with various particles moving in, there is some interaction, and you have various particles moving out. It's not something that involves two particles touching, and it's not something that happens at any particular time or place. Basically, we can look at the before and after pictures of two or more particles which come near each other and decide, was there a collision? For example, consider the following scenario: Before, we have a hydrogen atom in the 1s state and an electron. After, we have a hydrogen atom in the 2p state and an electron. We can conclude that the electron has collided with the atom and given it some energy.

With this in mind, there is no way to make sense of your question. You can have spontaneous processes like auto-ionization within a multi-electron atom. But I don't think that's what you had in mind.
 
  • Like
Likes shina

FAQ: Electrons: Orbits, Collisions, & What Happens When They Collide

What is an electron?

An electron is a subatomic particle with a negative charge that orbits around the nucleus of an atom.

What is an orbit?

An orbit is the path that an electron takes around the nucleus of an atom. It is often described as a circular or elliptical path.

How do electrons collide?

Electrons can collide with other particles, such as protons or other electrons, due to their opposite charges and the forces of attraction between them.

What happens when electrons collide?

When electrons collide, they can transfer energy to each other, resulting in changes in their orbits or even the emission of light. They can also create new particles, such as positrons, when they collide with their antiparticles.

How does electron collision impact everyday life?

Electron collisions play a crucial role in various processes, such as electricity and chemical reactions, which are essential in our daily lives. They also contribute to the formation of elements in the universe and help us understand the behavior of matter at a microscopic level.

Back
Top