The Quantum Mechanical model of an atom. What do atoms look like? Why?

Arvin Ash・2 minutes read

Various scientists like Isaac Newton, Ernest Rutherford, Niels Bohr, Louis de Broglie, and Erwin Schrodinger made significant contributions to our understanding of atomic structure and behavior, culminating in the development of the Schrodinger wave equation that describes the atom's cloud-like structure and electron behavior.

Insights

  • Isaac Newton and Ernest Rutherford drew parallels between celestial bodies and atomic structures, laying the foundation for understanding the behavior of particles at both macro and micro scales.
  • The development of atomic models by Bohr, de Broglie, Schrodinger, and others revealed the complex, wave-like nature of electrons, highlighting the probabilistic nature of electron distribution within atoms and the cloud-like structure of atoms themselves.

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Recent questions

  • What did Isaac Newton observe about forces?

    Similarities between cannonball and moon forces.

  • Who proposed special electron orbits?

    Niels Bohr

  • What did Erwin Schrodinger formulate?

    The Schrodinger equation for quantum mechanics.

  • Who suggested electrons exist in orbits with constructive interference?

    Louis de Broglie

  • What is the size difference between electron and proton clouds?

    Electron cloud significantly larger than proton cloud.

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Summary

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Evolution of Atomic Models: From Newton to Schrodinger

  • Isaac Newton noticed similarities between forces acting on a fired cannonball and the moon orbiting the earth.
  • Ernest Rutherford realized atoms have a heavy nucleus and hypothesized similarities between the moon's orbit and electron orbits.
  • The Rutherford model, though inaccurate, is still commonly used to depict atoms.
  • Niels Bohr combined Rutherford's model and Planck's theory to propose special electron orbits without energy radiation.
  • Bohr's model accurately predicted the size of the atom and energy emissions during orbit changes.
  • Louis de Broglie suggested electrons exist in orbits where their waves interfere constructively.
  • Erwin Schrodinger formulated the Schrodinger equation, crucial in quantum mechanics, describing atom behavior.
  • The Schrodinger wave equation indicates electrons form a cloud around the nucleus, determining the atom's probable position.
  • The electron cloud's size is significantly larger than the proton cloud, leading to the atom's cloud-like structure.
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