Why can't the exact location of an electron be found?

Question

I know, do you? Explain it to me so I might learn something new about it.

Answer 1

In the quantum mechanical model of the hydrogen atom, the location of the electron is expressed in terms of a probability distribution, so one speaks of the probability that an electron will be found at a particular location near a nucleus. The probability distribution, in turn, is determined by a mathematical function known as a wavefunction, denoted y. Wavefunctions for the distribution of particles are a general feature of quantum mechanics, and for electrons in atoms they are known as atomic orbitals. The name orbital is intended to express a distribution that is less precise than the explicit orbits of the Bohr model. The probability of finding an electron at a specified location is proportional to the square of the amplitude of the wavefunction at that point. Hence, the sign (positive or negative) of the orbital is not relevant to the location of the electron, because taking the square of y eliminates any negative sign it may have.

Answer 2

As I recall, the problem is in measuring the location, not in finding the location. When you try to measure the location you disturb the system.

Another problem is that an electron doesn't seem to have a precise location. There is an inherent fuzziness to an electron, that is, it doesn't have sharp well defined boundaries.

The uncertainty principle says that the better you know the momentum, the less you know the position. Theoretically you could know the position to any desired degree of accuracy that you wished, but with a corresponding increase in the uncertainty of the momentum the electron had. You would know it's location "exactly" but only for an instant of time, and then you would know nothing about where it was in the next instant.

Answer 3

It is impossible to know the exact location of an electron, but it is possible to predict where it will be at any given point in time.

Recent hypotheses in quantum mechanics suggest that this may not even be so true because there are scientists that believe that electrons are actually popping in and out of existence. Where do they go? Good question. Could be an alternate universe or perhaps the hypothesis is completely daft.

Maybe that's something "new" to you :-)

Answer 4

Any measurement of position can be done only with certain accuracy.

Theoretically, we can make the difference between the actual value and measured value as small as we wish.

To measure the position of an electron, we use an electro-magnetic wave.

We use a wave because it is the naturally available measuring tape with very great accuracy than any other artificial measuring tape. In theory we can make the wavelength of the wave as small as we wish.

Thus we can make measurement limited to the accuracy of the wave length.

When we begin to measure the position of electron, its momentum is changed by a small amount. Having accurately determined the position we have lost the accuracy in measuring momentum. If we measure the momentum accurately then its position is affected.

Theoretically with ideal conditions the product of these accuracies is a constant.

Thus it shows that there is a limit to the accuracy of measurment.

Answer 5

Because, like light, you are seeing where it was; not where it currently is. You cannot isolate just one atom.

Through the simple act of observation, you are introducing energy to the system. When energy is added the atom much adjust to reach an even balance. This means the electrons have to move. This has a cascade effect, and thus uncertainty in the current location of the e-.

Answer 6

Electrons can't be precisely located because any attempt to locate it causes it to be moved in the process.

At least that's they way the uncertainty principle was taught when I was in college.

Answer 7

All measurements are approximation. All measurements have an error factor. The error is that finds the location makes it inexact and is part of the uncertainty theory.

Answer 8

I am looking at an electron sine wave.Electrons can only be in one place at one time.I know where the electron was,is,and where it is going.

Answer 9

Because electrons are always in motion, as such they don't have a permanent location.

Answer 10

Test equipment will interfere with the results
Anyway, look up Heisenberg, He has an answer.