Quantum mechanical model: Schrodinger equation (intro), probability density plots
Atomic Structure · Chemistry
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Study notes
For 1s, ψ is largest at the nucleus but the radial probability peaks at 0.529 Å. Why no contradiction? Step 1: ψ² (probability density) is max at r = 0. Step 2: But the shell volume at radius r grows as 4πr². Step 3: Radial probability = 4πr²ψ² — zero at nucleus (r=0 kills it), peaks at Bohr radius. Step 4: Both true: densest at centre, most likely found at 0.529 Å. Probability density ≠ radial probability — the classic confusion.
Related topics
- Dalton's atomic theory and its limitations
- Subatomic particles: discovery of electron, proton, neutron
- Atomic models: Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr
- Bohr model: energy levels, radius, hydrogen spectrum
- Rydberg formula and spectral series (Lyman, Balmer, Paschen, Brackett, Pfund)
- Wave–particle duality and de Broglie wavelength