How do electrons maintain a stable distance from the nucleus?

In summary: They don't. In general, an atomic electron has a certain probability of being at any distance from the nucleus, albeit extremely small for large distances. It even has some probability of being inside the nucleus, which leads to the nuclear decay process called electron capture.
  • #1
Mukilab
73
0
Please correct me if I am wrong in any of this
1) Electrons are able to go around the nucleus of an atom due to the centrifugal force resulting from the weak/strong force (one of them)
2) Quantum physics says that particles can be in 2 places at the same time.
3) Therefore can't an electron be in the same place over a period of time (although it is probably unlikely) therefore no longer having any centrifugal force
4) The lack of centrifugal force will make the electron spiral into the centre of the atom.

Please could anyone help me out here?
 
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  • #2
Electrons do not orbit the nucleus as a planet orbits the sun. This analogy was known to be wrong 100 years ago, in fact some of the same reasoning was applied.

Electrons are said to occupy shells. I think you will benefit if you look at Wikipedia or some other basic sources to gain some additional insight.

All quantum particles can be said to have a probability of being in more than one place.
 
  • #3
DrChinese said:
Electrons do not orbit the nucleus as a planet orbits the sun. This analogy was known to be wrong 100 years ago, in fact some of the same reasoning was applied.

Electrons are said to occupy shells. I think you will benefit if you look at Wikipedia or some other basic sources to gain some additional insight.

All quantum particles can be said to have a probability of being in more than one place.

How do electrons remain a certain distance from the nucleus?
 
  • #4
Mukilab said:
How do electrons remain a certain distance from the nucleus?

Because of the uncertainty principle. As an electron's average position gets closer and closer to the nucleus, the area that it occupies becomes smaller and smaller and the average momentum increases. It is a property of the wave function.
 
  • #5
Mukilab said:
How do electrons remain a certain distance from the nucleus?

They don't. In general, an atomic electron has a certain probability of being at any distance from the nucleus, albeit extremely small for large distances. It even has some probability of being inside the nucleus, which leads to the nuclear decay process called electron capture.
 

FAQ: How do electrons maintain a stable distance from the nucleus?

What are electrons and how do they work?

Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. They are responsible for creating electricity and bonding atoms together to form molecules. They also play a crucial role in various chemical reactions and are essential for many biological processes.

What is centrifugal force and how is it related to electrons?

Centrifugal force is the outward force that is experienced by an object moving in a circular motion. In terms of electrons, it is related to their movement around the nucleus of an atom. As electrons move faster, the centrifugal force increases, causing them to move further away from the nucleus. This is known as the centrifugal force barrier and is what keeps electrons from collapsing into the nucleus.

How does the number of electrons affect an atom's properties?

The number of electrons in an atom determines its chemical and physical properties. The arrangement of electrons in the outermost energy level, also known as the valence electrons, determines how an atom can bond with other atoms. This, in turn, affects the atom's reactivity, stability, and ability to form compounds.

Can electrons be destroyed or created?

No, according to the Law of Conservation of Mass, matter cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. This applies to electrons as well. They can be transferred or shared between atoms, but they cannot be created or destroyed.

How do electrons behave in different energy levels?

Electrons are organized into different energy levels or shells around the nucleus. The first energy level can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, while the second and third can hold a maximum of 8 electrons each. The electrons in the outermost energy level have the highest energy and are involved in chemical reactions and bonding with other atoms. As you move further away from the nucleus, the energy levels increase, and the electrons require more energy to be removed from the atom.

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