Lesson 2.

Quantum Mechanical Model

of the Atom
 point out the main ideas in
the discovery of the structure
1 of the atom and its subatomic
particles;

At the end cite the discovery of Erwin

of the Schrödinger to the
lesson, you 2 understanding of the
should be
able to: structure of the atom; and
describe the quantum
3 mechanical model of the
atom.
Problem with the Bohr Model

● Electrons are not found in just one location.

● Electrons are scattered in an area.

The Development of Quantum Theory
Maxwell, Planck and Einstein developed the theory due to
their work regarding the dual nature of light.

James Clerk Maxwell Max Planck Albert Einstein

(1831–1879) (1858–1947) (1879–1955)
What is Light?
● Light is both a wave and a particle.

● Light can be reflected and refracted.

● Light can be described by the electromagnetic spectrum.

● Light can undergo interference.

Wave-Particle Duality of Matter
● Louie de Broglie proved that electrons can act as a
wave and as a particle.
● Electrons travel around the nucleus in a wavelike
manner.
● Heisenberg postulated his Uncertainty Principle.
Wave-Particle Duality of Matter

Louis de Broglie Werner Heisenberg

(1892–1987) (1901–1976)
Quantum Mechanical Model of the Atom
● Proposed by Erwin Schrodinger using the Schrodinger
Equation and his Wave Functions

● Electrons can be found in electron clouds called orbitals

● Location of electrons is described using probability.

The Orbitals
Quantum Numbers to Describe the Electrons
● Principal Quantum Number - energy level

● Azimuthal Quantum Number - orbital

● Magnetic Quantum Number - spatial orientation of the

orbital

● Spin Quantum Number - rotation of the electron along its

axis
Quantum Mechanical Model
 Since Bohr’s atomic model cannot explain the spectral
characteristics of larger atoms, it was replaced by the
1 quantum mechanical model of the atom where
electrons are found in specific regions rather than on
fixed orbits.

de Broglie’s wave-particle duality sees electrons as

2
waves rather than definite particles.
 Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle states that it is
3 impossible to know the position and momentum of an
electron in an atom at any one time.

In the quantum mechanical model of the atom, the

electrons are confined in a region of space called
4 orbitals. Electrons are most likely to be found in darker
areas near the nucleus.
 The orbitals are mathematical solutions of the
Schrödinger equation, which uses the principles of de
Broglie’s wave-particle duality and Heisenberg’s
5 uncertainty principle. The square of the wave
function represents the probability at which the
electrons can be found.
The quantum mechanical model describes electrons
using the four quantum numbers, the principal
6 quantum number, the azimuthal quantum number,
magnetic quantum number, and spin quantum
number .
Identify what is asked in the following statements.

1.He is the major proponent of the quantum mechanical

model of the atom.
2.These are spaces where electrons are most likely located.
3.This is one of the four quantum numbers which indicate
electron spin.
Do you believe in the quantum mechanical model of the atom?
How can you prove that it is true if you cannot see the atom
itself?