Abstract
In this chapter the main properties of the electrons trapped around each nucleus to form atoms are presented. Of special interest is the size of the atoms as determined by the outer electrons as well as the motion of the latter and their energy levels. The connection of these properties with the Periodic Table of the elements is examined.
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Notes
- 1.
It is not uncommon to have Z − ζ electrons around the nucleus; then the structure carries overall a positive charge ζe and it is called a ζ + cation. It is also possible to have Z + ξ electrons trapped around the nucleus, creating thus a structure of total negative charge equal to −ξe called a ξ − anion. Cations and anions (collectively called ions) are metastable structures which tend to combine with each other or with electrons to form electrically neutral structures.
- 2.
Instead of a proton we may have a deuteron, i.e., a proton/neutron nucleus. As far as the electron is concerned, the only change this will bring, it will be a minute increase in the reduced mass of the system from 0.9995 \( m_{e} \)Â \( \approx m_{e} \) to 0.9997 \( m_{e} \)Â \( \approx m_{e} \)
- 3.
The velocity of light c may also play a role, usually small; however, some properties, such as the magnetic properties, depend critically on c, and disappear in the electrostatic limit, \( c \to \infty \).
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© 2011 Eleftherios N. Economou
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Economou, E.N. (2011). From Nuclei and Electrons to Atoms. In: A Short Journey from Quarks to the Universe. SpringerBriefs in Physics, vol 1. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-20089-2_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-20089-2_8
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