Schrodinger’s theory made use of electrons as waves, treating them as clouds of negative charge. The electron spin number (ms) -describes the spin of the electron either up or down.The magnetic quantum number (ml) – describes the energy level in the subshell.The principal quantum number (n) - describes the energy of the electron and its distance from the nucleus.Orbital angular momentum (l) – Describes the shape of the orbital.This assumption persisted until experiments in physics showed that the atom was. Dalton thought that atoms were the smallest units of matter tiny, hard spheres that could not be broken down any further. However, one of his underlying assumptions was later shown to be incorrect. Each electron has its own unique 4 quantum numbers as according to the Pauli exclusion principle no two electrons can share the same combination of quantum numbers. Dalton's ideas proved foundational to modern atomic theory. Which best explains why scientific theories grow stronger over time As more scientists attempt to find holes in the current theory, adjustments are made which make the theory stronger. The quantum numbers of an electron give it its own identity and these combined are described by a wave function that obeys the Schrodinger equation. Why does the modern atomic theory used today represent the best explanation scientists have to offer The modern atomic theory contains over 200 years of research. As with any scientific theory, an atomic theory is based on scientific evidence available at any given time and serves to suggest future lines of research about atoms. This expanded the understanding of the electron to have 4 quantum numbers. Atomic theory 1 An atomic theory is a model developed to explain the properties and behaviors of atoms. It is a single orbital that can hold a maximum of two electrons.

An s-orbital is represented as a sphere that encloses the nucleus. S-orbital: S-orbital is spherical in shape. The shape of s and p orbitals are as follows:1. In the Bohr Model the electron is treated as a particle in fixed orbits around the nucleus where as Schrodinger’s model treated the electron as a wave that occupies three dimensional space. The two types of orbitals that current atomic theory uses to identify spaces electrons can occupy are s and p orbitals.

This equation could be used to solve and give an accurate description of the energy of an electron in an atom due to vibrational modes and the creation of peaks and troughs when these electrons are treated as waves.Įrwin Schrodinger was important in the driving of a mathematical and quantum mechanics for developing the understanding of electrons in moving away from the Bohr Model. The model of the electron in the nucleus was further developed by the work of Erwin Schrodinger and his development of his wave equation. It described the overall structure of the atom, how atoms bond to each other, and predicted the spectral lines of hydrogen.

Current atomic theory