Important things about electrons

[Harleen Kaur]

Hello.

What are some important properties about electrons to keep in mind for the final?

[Bohang Shou 2J]

Be aware of the energy, speed, and arrangement of electrons in certain circumstances. In an atomic setting, what are the arrangements of electrons, and how can they change their energy level? In bonding, how can they form bonds with other electrons in another atom, any hybridizations?

[Jolene Robles 2H]

Hi Harleen,

Another thing that is important to remember about electrons is that negatively charger ions are farther away from the nucleus while positive charged ions are closer to the nucleus because there are able to pull the electrons closer to the nuclei since it has a positive charge.

[Levy Shaked]

I would say another important thing to understand about electrons, especially in the Quantum unit, is their wave-particle duality. By the de Broglie equation, an electron's wavelength is inversely related to its velocity/linear momentum by λ = h/p = h/mv. This means that when we know an electron's linear velocity, we also know its wavelength as it behaves as a single standing wave around its atom's nucleus. Because, from this perspective, an electron does not have a fixed location but instead takes up the entire orbital as a series of continuous, simple harmonic-oscillating points, it is thus impossible to pinpoint its precise location in space. Conversely, given its precise location in space, we have no method of calculating an electron's wavelength from the perspective of its dispersal over a series of continuous points as a standing wave. This, then, prevents us from calculating its velocity. Because it is impossible to reconcile an electron's wave-like (dispersed) and particle-like (discrete) properties, and because only in its wave-like state can we precisely calculate an electron's velocity, we thus cannot simultaneously by certain of an electrons position and linear momentum. This gives rise to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle: ∆p • ∆x ≥ h/4π. Because the product of certainty in momentum and certainty in position is AT MOST a particular value, this means that as one increases, the other must decrease to adhere to this upper limit.