Texas Teach
Posts: 2084
Joined: April 2007
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| Quote (Lou FCD @ Sep. 24 2008,19:49) |
| Quote (Texas Teach @ Sep. 24 2008,19:38) | | The shapes can be derived from looking at the energy values of electrons in each orbital |
In what way? How does the energy value affect the shape? When you say energy value, are you referring to the potential energy derived from distance from the nucleus, or something else? |
Potential energy, yes. I had a mathematician explain this to me once. It was a beautiful, clear explanation. I experienced an epiphany that day....I can't for the life of me recall the details.  Anyway, the shape is partly determined by potential energy due to the electrostatic charge between the electron and the nucleus, the charges of the electrons wrt each other, and the fact that the electrons' energies are only stable for certain values.
| Quote (Lou FCD @ Sep. 24 2008,19:49) | | Quote (Texas Teach @ Sep. 24 2008,19:38) | | and the fact that electrons have wave-like properties and are subject to things like interference. |
Which properties are relevant here? How does it work? |
Ok, now you caught me forgetting physical chemistry I learned before I fled grad school for the friendlier environs of teaching in public school. (Really! I fear I'd only confuse you and embarrass me. Perhaps Louis, Tracy, or Henry (or someone else) can help?
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"Creationists think everything Genesis says is true. I don't even think Phil Collins is a good drummer." --J. Carr
"I suspect that the English grammar books where you live are outdated" --G. Gaulin
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