	AllExperts > Physics
	Search

About Steve Nelson
Expertise
I can answer most basic physics questions, physics questions about science fiction and everyday observations of physics, etc. I'm also usually good for science fair advice (I'm the regional science fair director). I do not answer homework problems. I will occasionally point out where a homework solution went wrong, though. I'm usually good at explaining odd observations that seem counterintuitive, energy science, nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics, and alternative theories of physics are my specialties.

Experience
I'm a physics professor, research in nuclear astrophysics. I teach physics, nuclear chemistry, radiation safety, vacuum technology, and answer tons of questions as I tour schools encouraging students to consider careers in science.

Education/Credentials
Ph. D. from Duke University in physics, research in nuclear astrophysics reactions, gamma-ray astronomy technology, and advanced nuclear reactors.

You are here: Experts > Science > Physics > Physics > Question

Physics - Question

Expert: Steve Nelson - 11/3/2009

Question
Hello,
Sir,
I've read that to locate an electron in a shell or in an atom, we have to pass a light of wavelength smaller than the diameter of the electron....but according to my knowledge there is not any kind of light having such a small wavelength..
What do you say.?
If i'm right then how can we find the position of an electron in an atom....Will you please explain and justify it..??

Answer
OK, there's a lot of things wrong here. Some gamma rays can have extremely small wavelengths (far smaller than an atom). However, your thinking about the electron is a bit off. Electrons don't have "locations" around atoms, they have wavefunctions which determine the probability of finding the electron in a specific location. They have quantum states which give them energy levels, which you can determine by shining light with enough energy to eject the electron from the atom, but its exact position around an atom is a matter of probability and statistics. Also, due to the uncertainty principle, once you pin down the position of any particle very precisely with a measurement, the basic properties of measurements cause the momentum of that particle to become more and more uncertain (thus making your results not useful).

Ask a Question