Re: tojc; quantum mech

Kari Fosser (fosserka@PLU.edu)
Mon, 16 Sep 1996 10:59:20 -0800 (PST)

Psi squared is a mathematical representation of atomic orbitals. s and p
orbitals are what you get when you plot psi squared in three dimensions.
The shapes that are formed (spherical and lobes) are where the electrons
can be found. It is considered high probability when "psi squared is
large in a unit volume of space" (pg. 21) The orbitals are where psi
squared is large, and probability of finding an electron is high.

Hope this helps.
Kari Fosser

On Mon, 16 Sep 1996 holumma@PLU.edu wrote:

> I was just a little confused on one point from today's lecture.
> Professor Fryhle said that psi squared is a region of space where
> probability is high of finding an electron. My understanding is that it
> is simply the probability (whether or not that probability is high) of
> finding an electron in that region. If I am mistaken please correct me.
> Also, how do nodes come into play in calculating psi squared?
>
> Thanks
> Matt
>