Distribution functions are nothing but the probability density functions used to describe the probability with which a particular particle can occupy a particular energy level. When we speak of Fermi-Dirac distribution function, we are particularly interested in knowing the chance by which we can find a fermion in a particular energy state of an atom (more information on this can be found in the article “Atomic Energy States”). Here, by fermions, we mean the electrons of an atom which are the pa

As per Neil Bohr’s theory of atomic structure, all the atoms are found to have discrete energy levels around their central nucleus (more on this can be found in the article “Atomic Energy Levels”). Now consider the case wherein two or more such atoms are placed nearer to one another. In this case, the structure of their discrete energy levels gets transformed into energy band structure. That is, in the place of discrete energy levels, one can find discrete energy bands. The cause behind the form

The quantum numbers are basically represents the address of an electrons in atom. These quantum numbers represent the location, energy level and spin of electron in atom. These quantum numbers are useful for representing the electron configuration. Quantum numbers are of four types – Principal quantum number (n) Orbital or Azimuthal quantum number (l) Magnetic quantum number (m or ml) Spin magnetic quantum number (ms)Principal Quantum Number (n)Principal quantum number of an electron represents

Atoms constitute the building blocks of all materials in existence. In these atoms, there is a central portion called nucleus (N in Figure 1) which consists of protons and neutrons, around which revolves the particles called electrons. Next, it is to be noted that all the electrons constituting the considered material do not revolve along the same path. However this even does not mean that their revolutionary paths can be random. That is, each electron of a particular atom has its own dedicated

An atom is defined as the smallest particle of a substance that can exist by itself or be combined with other atoms to form a molecule.In the year 1808, famous English chemist, physicist, and meteorologist John Dalton published his theory of the atom. At that time, many unexplained chemical phenomena got quickly unlocked by Dalton’s theory. Hence, the theory became a theoretical foundation of chemistry. The postulates of Dalton’s atomic theory were as follows. All matter is made up of small indi

It is introduced by Danish Physicist Niels Bohr in the year of 1913. According to this model the atom consists of small nucleus at the center and electrons which rotates in circular orbits surrounding the nucleus – similar to solar system. But here, the force of attraction is provided by electrostatic forces rather than gravitational forces. The nucleus is positively charged and electrons are negatively charged. Further Niels Bohr illustrated that the positively charged nucleus consists of proto

We all have seen plums in padding. Previously it was thought that electrons in an atom are distributed on positive charge just like plums in a pudding. In other words, it was thought that positive charge exists throughout the atom and negative electrons are unevenly distributed on it just like plums in the pudding. This concept of the atomic model is so known as plums in pudding model of atoms. This concept was introduced by J.J.Thomson who was also the inventor of electrons. As according to plu

he electronic configuration of an atom is a way of describing how its electrons are arranged in different energy levels and sublevels around the nucleus. The electronic configuration of an atom determines many of its physical and chemical properties, such as how it reacts with other atoms, how it conducts electricity, and how it behaves in a magnetic field.What is an Electron?An electron is a negatively charged subatomic particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom. The nucleus consists of positi

What is the Plum Pudding Model?Aplum pudding modelis a historical scientific model of the atom that was proposed by J.J. Thomson in 1904, shortly after he discovered the electron. The model tried to explain two properties of atoms that were known at that time: electrons are negatively charged particles, and atoms have no net electric charge.The plum pudding model suggested that an atom consists of a sphere of positive charge, called the pudding, with electrons embedded in it, like plums in a des