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Topic: Orbitals or Energy Levels  (Read 2448 times)

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Offline oceanmd

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Orbitals or Energy Levels
« on: September 22, 2010, 06:36:31 PM »
In the quantum mechanic view of the atom, electrons are confined to charge clouds called?
I am debating between orbitals and energy levels. I think it's orbitals as it is more specific.

Please help

Offline MrTeo

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Re: Orbitals or Energy Levels
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2010, 07:56:14 AM »
To be precise I think you should say "energy levels" as the "orbital" is only an area where there's a probability higher than 90% to find the electron. In fact this term is used mostly by chemists as it helps visualizing bonds much more easily than the abstract and more "physical" term "energy level".
The way of the superior man may be compared to what takes place in traveling, when to go to a distance we must first traverse the space that is near, and in ascending a height, when we must begin from the lower ground. (Confucius)

Offline oceanmd

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Re: Orbitals or Energy Levels
« Reply #2 on: September 24, 2010, 10:38:24 AM »
Thank you MrTeo,

Does anybody have more arguments one way or another? Is energy levels a better answer?

Thank you

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