Is there a Relativistic Quantum Chemistry Table?

In summary, Arnold Sommerfeld discovered that the fine-structure constant, α, shows the electron in a 1s orbital of a hydrogen atom traveling at nearly 1/137 the speed of light. This can be extended to larger elements with atomic number Z by using the expression v ≈ Zc/137 for a 1s electron, where v is its radial velocity. For gold with Z = 79, the 1s electron will be going 58% of the speed of light. There is no simple table for elements sorted by v = 0.XX c, as the relationship between atomic number and velocity is not straightforward and not all elements will have a significant velocity relative to the speed of light. Sommerfeld's
  • #1
shintashi
117
1
TL;DR Summary
Looking for a radial velocity of electrons by element list
Wiki said "Arnold Sommerfeld calculated that, for a 1s orbital electron of a hydrogen atom with an orbiting radius of 0.0529 nm, α ≈ 1/137. That is to say, the fine-structure constant shows the electron traveling at nearly 1/137 the speed of light.[9] One can extend this to a larger element with an atomic number Z by using the expression vZc/137 for a 1s electron, where v is its radial velocity. For gold with Z = 79, v ≈ 0.58 c, so the 1s electron will be going 58% of the speed of light"

Is there a table with the elements sorted by v = 0.XX c? like how gold is listed as v = 0.58?

or am I making this over complicated and its atomic number/137 = % c?

in retrospect it does appear that the velocities are 1:1 division, so I guess a better question is at what atomic number does it begin to matter? Clearly with Cesium and Gold it matters, but what about Helium? Iron? When is the %c relevant?
 
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  • #2
Things don't worm that way in QM. Sommerfeld did this work in 1916. Solving the hydrogen atom quantum mechanically was a decade away.
 

Related to Is there a Relativistic Quantum Chemistry Table?

1. What is Relativistic Quantum Chemistry?

Relativistic Quantum Chemistry is a branch of chemistry that combines the principles of quantum mechanics and special relativity to study the behavior of atoms and molecules at high speeds or in strong gravitational fields.

2. Why is Relativistic Quantum Chemistry important?

Relativistic effects become significant when dealing with heavy atoms and molecules, and they can have a significant impact on their properties and reactions. Relativistic Quantum Chemistry allows us to accurately predict and understand these effects.

3. What is a Relativistic Quantum Chemistry Table?

A Relativistic Quantum Chemistry Table is a reference table that contains data and values related to the properties of atoms and molecules calculated using relativistic quantum chemistry methods. It can be used to compare and analyze different elements and molecules.

4. How is a Relativistic Quantum Chemistry Table different from a regular Periodic Table?

A regular Periodic Table only provides basic information about the elements, such as atomic number, mass, and electron configuration. A Relativistic Quantum Chemistry Table includes additional data, such as relativistic corrections, spin-orbit coupling, and other properties that are affected by relativity.

5. Where can I find a Relativistic Quantum Chemistry Table?

Relativistic Quantum Chemistry Tables can be found in scientific journals and textbooks, as well as online databases and resources. They are often used by researchers and students in the field of chemistry to study and analyze the properties of atoms and molecules.

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