Distances of electrons in the shell

In summary, the distance of the levels of the electron shell from the centre of the atom can be calculated using the Bohr radius formula, which takes into account the uncertainty principle and the effective Z value. However, the Bohr orbit model is not complete and further information can be found in the General Physics FAQ.
  • #1
dansphere
3
0
Hi people,
I'm wandering what the distances of the levels of the electron shell are relative to the centre of the atom. I was told there's a pattern and am investigating it.
Regards,
Dan
 
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  • #2
dansphere said:
Hi people,
I'm wandering what the distances of the levels of the electron shell are relative to the centre of the atom. I was told there's a pattern and am investigating it.
Regards,
Dan

Go check the concept of Bohr radius. Just one thing : in the reference, they are not talking about any atom but a very specific one :wink:

Keep in mind that you need to look at these results using the correct "eye". In QM, you have this little thing called the uncertainty principle that does NOT allow for you to be talking in terms of the orbit, distnace, velocity of a particle like you do in classical physics ! Also, beware of the fact that the Bohr Orbit model is NOT the complete picture. Check out our FAQ in the General Physics subforum for more indept info.

regards
marlon


marlon
 
  • #3
The average distance of any shell from the nucleus is roughly given by
r=n^2 hbar^2/mZ'e^2, where Z' is an effective Z, given by
Z'=Z-N, where N is the number of electrons in lower closed shells.
If you want SI, multiply by fourpiepsilonzero.
 

Related to Distances of electrons in the shell

1. What is the significance of the distances of electrons in the shell?

The distances of electrons in the shell, also known as atomic radii, play a crucial role in determining the chemical and physical properties of an element. They determine the size of an atom and the strength of its interactions with other atoms, which in turn affects the element's reactivity and ability to form bonds.

2. How are the distances of electrons in the shell determined?

The distances of electrons in the shell are determined through various experimental methods, such as X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy. These techniques involve examining the diffraction patterns or energy levels of atoms to determine their atomic radii.

3. Do the distances of electrons in the shell change in different elements?

Yes, the distances of electrons in the shell vary among different elements. This is because the number of protons in the nucleus and the number of electrons in the different shells of an atom determine its atomic radii. Therefore, elements with more protons and electrons tend to have larger atomic radii.

4. How does the distance of an electron from the nucleus affect the energy of the electron?

The distance of an electron from the nucleus directly affects its energy. The farther an electron is from the nucleus, the higher its energy level. This is due to the fact that the attractive force between the positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons decreases as the distance between them increases, allowing the electron to have more energy.

5. Can the distances of electrons in the shell be changed?

The distances of electrons in the shell are determined by the number of protons and electrons in an atom, which cannot be changed. However, the energy levels of electrons can be altered through various processes such as ionization, where an electron is removed from an atom, or excitation, where an electron moves to a higher energy level. These changes in energy levels can indirectly affect the distances of electrons in the shell.

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