Wavefunction probability nodes within 2s electronic orbitals

In summary, the conversation discusses the electron configurations of two isotopes, He-3 and Li-6, and their associated energy levels and orbital shapes. The presence of a 'node' in the 2s electron orbital of Li-6 is noted and questions are raised about its implications and potential causes. The possibility of a direct EM attraction between the third electron in the 2s orbital and the third proton in the 1p nuclear energy shell is also considered.
  • #1
Salman2
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I have some questions based on the figures provided on this helpful educational link:
http://chemed.chem.wisc.edu/chempaths/GenChem-Textbook/Orbitals-896.html

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For discussion, let us work with two isotopes, He-3 (ppn) and Li-6 (pppnnn). Each (p+) would have an electron (e-) associated with it.

For He-3, the two electrons would have singlet spin, thus {e-[itex]\uparrow[/itex]}{e+[itex]\downarrow[/itex]}. They are both in 1s orbital, and circular images of this 1s orbital are shown in the above internet link. For discussion, the two protons of He-3 would likewise have singlet spin within the first 1s nuclear energy shell {(p)[itex]\uparrow[/itex](p)[itex]\downarrow[/itex]}, but these are not presented in the internet link.

For Li-6, a third (-e) is added to the 2s orbital and an image of the 2s orbital is provided in the internet link, which clearly shows a dense 1s central orbital surrounded by a diffuse electron cloud that I assume would be associated with the third (p) present in Li-6 that is not found in He-3. Within the nucleus of Li-6 the third (p[itex]\uparrow[/itex]) likewise moves to a higher energy shell, the 1p, in a similar way that the third (e-) moves to a higher energy state, the 2p orbital.

Next, there is a comment in the text of the above internet link that within the electron 2s orbital of Li-6 there exists a 'node' where the quantum wavefunction of all three (e-) have 0.0 amplitude, thus 0% probability of existence at that specific state space. So, if true, within the Li-6 isotope there must exist a quantum state space (associated with the node) where none of the three (e-) are present. Likewise, none of the more central energy shells associated with the three (p) wavefunctions would be present at the location of the 2s electron orbital 'node', given that it is well removed from the central nuclear energy potential.

I think I have the above correct, but please let me know if I error. OK, now for my questions.

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Question #1: Does the above mean that there exists a state space at the 2s electron orbital 'node' within Li-6 where the HUP would not apply ? I mean, if the wavefunction probability for the three electrons = 0.0 amplitude, then would we not know with 100% probability the momentum and position simultaneously for all three (e-) within Li-6 at the 'node' state space ? Would this be a correct quantum interpretation of the 'node' within the 2s orbital of Li-6 isotope ?

Question #2: Is the existence of the 'node' within the 2s orbital of Li-6, where none of the three (e-) exist, caused by repulsive EM force between the two (e-) in the 1s orbital and the single (e-) in the 2s orbital ? And if yes, why is this repulsive EM force between electrons (e-) stronger than the attractive force between three protons (p) and electrons that would tend to bring the third (e-) in the 2s orbital closer to the nuclear center potential, and thus occupy the 'node' state space with at least a small probability amplitude ?

Question #3: My final question relates to the third (p) within Li-3, which moves to a higher energy shell, the 1p shell (as opposed to the first two p found in the 1s shell), in a similar way the third (e-) in Li-6 moves to a higher 2s energy orbital. Is it possible that the third (e-) found in the higher energy 2s orbital of Li-6 is directly associated via EM attraction to the third proton (p) in the 1p nuclear energy shell, and not the two protons associated with the lower energy 1s nuclear shell ?
 
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  • #2
And if so, what kind of specific EM attractions would exist between the third (e-) found in the 2s orbital and the third (p) found in the 1p nuclear orbital ? I hope I have been clear in my questions, and I look forward to any replies. Thank you for your help !
 

FAQ: Wavefunction probability nodes within 2s electronic orbitals

What are wavefunction probability nodes within 2s electronic orbitals?

Wavefunction probability nodes within 2s electronic orbitals refer to the regions in space where the probability of finding an electron is zero. These nodes are a result of the mathematical description of the electron's behavior in the 2s orbital, known as the wave function.

How are wavefunction probability nodes within 2s electronic orbitals related to electron density?

The number and position of wavefunction probability nodes within 2s electronic orbitals determine the electron density in that region. The more nodes there are, the lower the electron density will be in that particular region.

Can wavefunction probability nodes within 2s electronic orbitals be observed?

No, wavefunction probability nodes within 2s electronic orbitals cannot be observed directly. They are a mathematical concept used to describe the behavior of electrons in an atom.

How does the number of wavefunction probability nodes within 2s electronic orbitals change with increasing atomic number?

As the atomic number increases, the number of wavefunction probability nodes within 2s electronic orbitals also increases. This is due to the increased number of protons in the nucleus, which results in a stronger attraction to the electrons and therefore more nodes in the orbital.

Do wavefunction probability nodes within 2s electronic orbitals have any effect on an atom's chemical properties?

Yes, wavefunction probability nodes within 2s electronic orbitals can affect an atom's chemical properties. The nodes influence the electron density in the orbital, which in turn affects the energy and reactivity of the electrons in that region. This can have an impact on the atom's chemical behavior and the types of bonds it can form with other atoms.

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