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Chapter 7: Problem 60

Why is a boundary surface diagram useful in representing an atomic orbital?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A boundary surface diagram is useful in representing an atomic orbital because it visualizes the shape, size and orientation of the orbital, giving a visual understanding of where an electron is likely to be found around the nucleus.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Atomic Orbitals

Atomic orbitals are regions around the nucleus of an atom where electrons are most likely to be found. They are defined by the energy levels and shapes associated with different electron configurations.
02

Identifying Boundary Surface Diagrams

Boundary surface diagrams, also known as electron cloud diagrams, are graphic representations of atomic orbitals. They depict the area (boundary surface) within which there is a certain probability, usually 90% or 95%, of finding an electron.
03

Discussing The Importance of Boundary Surface Diagrams

Boundary surface diagrams play a crucial role in pictorially representing atomic orbitals for a few reasons: \[1]\ They show the shape of the orbital, which helps understand the spatial distribution of electron density around the nucleus. \[2]\ They can depict the size of the orbital, which can give an insight into the energy level of the electron. \[3]\ They illustrate the orientation of the orbitals in space.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Calculate the energies needed to remove an electron from the \(n=1\) state and the \(n=5\) state in the \(\mathrm{Li}^{2+}\) ion. What is the wavelength (in \(\mathrm{nm}\) ) of the emitted photon in a transition from \(n=5\) to \(n=1 ?\) The Rydberg constant for hydrogen like ions is \((2.18 \times\) \(\left.10^{-18} \mathrm{~J}\right) Z^{2},\) where \(Z\) is the atomic number.

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