Question

Where does the electron get the energy to move around the nucleus of the atom? Electrons are moving. But where does the electron get the energy to rotate around the nucleus of the atom? What is that and how?

Answer 1

Electrons in an atom do not rotate around the nucleus in a classical sense like planets orbiting the Sun. Instead, they occupy specific energy levels or orbitals around the nucleus based on quantum mechanics.

The energy of an electron in an atom comes from its quantum state, which is determined by its specific energy level or orbital. Each energy level or orbital has a quantized energy associated with it, meaning only certain discrete energy values are allowed. These energy levels are often represented by the electron configuration of the atom.

The energy levels of electrons in an atom are governed by the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, such as the Schrödinger equation. According to these principles, electrons exist in probability distributions called orbitals. These orbitals describe the likelihood of finding an electron in a particular region around the nucleus.

The energy required to move electrons between different energy levels or orbitals typically comes from interactions with other particles or electromagnetic radiation. For example:

1. Absorption of Photons: When an electron absorbs a photon of sufficient energy, it can move to a higher energy level or orbital. This process is known as excitation. The electron gains energy from the absorbed photon, and it can subsequently release that energy in the form of a photon when it returns to a lower energy level or orbital.

2. Electron Interactions: Electrons can also exchange energy through interactions with other particles, such as collisions with other atoms or ions. These interactions can cause electrons to transition between different energy levels or orbitals.

It's important to note that while electrons occupy specific energy levels, their exact positions within those energy levels are described by their wave functions, which represent the probability distribution of finding an electron in a given region around the nucleus.

In summary, the energy of electrons in an atom comes from their quantum state, which is determined by their energy levels or orbitals. The energy required for transitions between these energy levels can come from interactions with photons or other particles.