Electron Configuration and Quantum Numbers
Learning Objective
I can determine the electron configuration of an element using quantum numbers.
Key Concepts
De Broglie suggested that if waves can behave like particles, then particles must also behave like waves, meaning all matter has a wavelength.
Schrödinger developed quantum mechanics to describe the wave mechanics of the electron, leading to the understanding that electrons exist as a cloud of probability density.
Heisenberg's uncertainty principle states that the more we know about an electron's location, the less we know about its momentum, and vice versa, which is an inherent quality of the electron.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 12 practice questions to reinforce learning.
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1. According to de Broglie, what property do all matter particles exhibit?
2. Why is the wave nature of a baseball not readily observable?
3. What is the significance of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle in the context of electron behavior?
...and 9 more questions
Educational Video
Quantum Mechanics of the Electron
Professor Dave Explains