Modern Atomic Theory Flashcard 1

Electron

The absorption and emission of light energy by electrons as they move away from and towards the nucleus.

The electron is a particle that can behave as a wave.

The modern atomic theory states that atoms are composed of subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons) and that electrons exist in probabilistic orbitals rather than fixed paths.

Electrons, particularly valence electrons, are involved in forming chemical bonds between atoms through sharing (covalent bonds) or transferring (ionic bonds).

Electrons in an atom can only occupy specific energy levels, and they must absorb or emit a specific amount of energy to move between these levels.

Wave-particle duality means that electrons exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties, which is fundamental to understanding atomic behavior and quantum mechanics.

An atomic orbital is a mathematical function that describes the wave-like behavior of an electron in an atom, representing regions where there is a high probability of finding an electron.

The Bohr model describes electrons in fixed orbits around the nucleus, while the quantum mechanical model describes electrons in terms of probabilities and orbitals.

The principle of uncertainty states that it is impossible to simultaneously know both the exact position and momentum of an electron.