So, at absolute zero, are electrons stationary in their nucleus orbiting?
That's the way that I learned it. Impossible to achieve.
There’s an inherent paradox in the equation. The orbit of electrons depends on their movement. If there is no movement, there is nothing preventing an electron from collapsing into the positively charged nucleus.
At ansolute zero, the basic charges of the individual atomic elements would cause collapse into an inert blob. Without directed energy (i.e.: Not simple added heat to the environment), I would think that the atom could not resume its shape or prior action once absolute zero had been attained.
I’m an engineer, not a theoretical physicist. But to me, anything that requires velocity to maintain its orbit would collapse if all motion stopped.
> So, at absolute zero, are electrons stationary in their nucleus orbiting? <
Hmm. Interesting question. I’m not sure, but will hazard an opinion. Electrons really don’t orbit the nucleus as planets orbit the Sun (as was once thought).
That model is a good approximation though. And that’s why we use it today. But electrons really “occupy” a standing wave around the nucleus. I would suppose that wave would still exist at absolute zero.
Explaining how it would differ (if at all) is a bit beyond my pay grade.
🙂
No the electrons and the atomic structure [assuming it is a solid state] are in their ground state energy-meaning that nuclei are vibrating with the zero point energy required by the uncertainty principle.