This SIR will produce, to scale, random-dot diagrams of the 1s, 2s, 2px and 2py orbitals. For comparison you may also show a classical electron orbiting the nucleus, as in the Bohr model. You may also show the simple circle and loop figures that chemists use to represent the size and symmetry of an orbital.
Two screens are provided, so that you may compare and contrast orbitals and representations. You may also superimpose two or more representations.
You select the orbital (or classical representation) you want. An orbital may be put on the screen in any of three modes, and these may be placed in two adjoining boxes for comparison, or superimposed in one box.
Quickplot
instantly produces a dot-density representation.
Flashplot produces the dots one at a time, simulating the results of a scattering experiment. The pattern builds up, and graphically demonstrated how a density diagram represents the probability of finding the electron at various points around the nucleus. You may interrupt the plot at any time and resume it later.
Figure shows the chemist's simple representation (circle of dumbbell), which specifies the size and symmetry of the orbital.
The orbitals are sufficiently precise that if you superimpose the 2px and 2py orbitals you will see a circularly symmetric pattern. You may use this to emphasize that a filled shell is spherically symmetric (a fact which underlies most of the approximations made in semi-empirical quantum calculations).
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Updated July 17, 2000