How is radius of a atom determined if the electron orbital continually changes as a probabilaty function?

Question

Bohr had calculated an electron orbit in an atom,was his correct,did he really size the atom exactly?

Answer 1

Like any probability, we can define an expected value for that probability (e.g., E(x) = P(x)N; where the expected value (E) of x is the probability (P) of x, times the total number (N) of possible outcomes). Expected value is a sort-of weighted average. It's that expected value that is used to specify the orbital radius of an electron.

Of course, in quantum mechanics the probability density function is in the form of a wave function [See source.] and its conjugate; so the expected value equation is a bit more complex than the example given. But you get the idea.

Answer 2

In a steady state the orbital is not constantly changing; the wave function that defines the electron is a fixed. Even though each time you try to determine where the electron might be, you would still be using the same, fixed wave function. The radius of an atom is computed as a kind of average of the wave function.

Answer 3

Electrons cant simply do that. Even the orbit of an electron has specific places to be. The orbit cant just appear anywhere! Study Quantum Physics and you'll realise things like that dont work using normal mechanics laws.. For example light is a particle!!!!

Answer 4

The atomic radius is defined as the radius of the outermost stable orbital. The electrons themselves have probabilistic locations, but the location of the orbital as a whole is fixed. For a non-circular orbital, I assume the greatest radius is used.

Answer 5

indetermination postulate inidicates that the position exactitude is inversaly proportional to the speed of the subject.
the more precise the ubication the less precise the speed determination. so , its a media between both.
and the meditions are accurate enough with the theorys and analysis.