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Chapter 7: Problem 49

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 provides a tangible way to understand where an electron is likely to be found in an atom. This three-dimensional model represents the spatial distribution and orientation of the electron cloud, aiding in the understanding of atomic structures better.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Atomic Orbital

An atomic orbital is the region around the nucleus of an atom where there is a high probability of finding an electron. The shape of an orbital is determined by the energy level and the type of orbital (s, p, d, or f). The higher the energy level, the more complex the shape of the orbital.
02

Understanding Boundary Surface Diagrams

A boundary surface diagram is a three-dimensional representation that shows the region of space around the nucleus where there is a specific probability (usually 90% or 95%) of finding the electron. This diagram represents the boundary surface or the outer surface of this space.
03

Explaining The Utility of Boundary Surface Diagram

A boundary surface diagram is useful in representing an atomic orbital because it provides a visual and tangible way to understand the probable location of an electron in an atom. While the exact location of an electron cannot be known, the boundary surface diagram provides a practical model to visualize where an electron is likely to be at any given time. It provides a three-dimensional picture, giving a better representation of the spatial distribution and orientation of the electron cloud around the nucleus.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The blue color of the sky results from the scattering of sunlight by air molecules. The blue light has a frequency of about \(7.5 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{~Hz}\). (a) Calculate the wavelength, in \(\mathrm{nm}\), associated with this radiation, and (b) calculate the energy, in joules, of a single photon associated with this frequency.

(a) What is the frequency of light having a wavelength of \(456 \mathrm{nm} ?\) (b) What is the wavelength (in nanometers) of radiation having a frequency of \(2.45 \times 10^{9} \mathrm{~Hz} ?\) (This is the type of radiation used in microwave ovens.)

(a) What is the wavelength (in nanometers) of light having a frequency of \(8.6 \times 10^{13} \mathrm{~Hz} ?\) (b) What is the frequency (in Hz) of light having a wavelength of \(566 \mathrm{nm} ?\)

What is the noble gas core? How does it simplify the writing of electron configurations?

What is the de Broglie wavelength (in \(\mathrm{nm}\) ) associated with a 2.5 -g Ping-Pong ball traveling 35 mph?
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