Mathematical proof of the spherical electron?

In summary, electrons are not technically considered spheres as they are described as point particles with size zero in classical terms. While there is no mathematical proof for their spherical shape, the electrical field around a classical electron is equivalent to that of a spherically symmetrical charge distribution. Any suggestion of electrons being spherical may be incorrect or misunderstood. This topic is now closed.
  • #1
Quandemonitum
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Why is/are an electron/electrons a sphere/spheres ? Need the mathematical proof...
 
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  • #2
Quandemonitum said:
Why is/are an electron/electrons a sphere/spheres ? Need the mathematical proof...

You won't find a mathematical proof that electrons are spherical because they aren't. What we do know is that the electrical field around a classical electron is, to the limits of the accuracy of the measurements we've made so far, the same as that produced by a spherically symmetrical charge distribution.

If you're thinking in terms of shape and size, you're thinking in purely classical terms, and the best classical description of an electron is that it it is a point particle of size zero. If you've read something that suggests otherwise, either it's wrong or you've misunderstood it.

This thread is closed.
 

Related to Mathematical proof of the spherical electron?

1. What is the spherical electron model?

The spherical electron model is a theoretical model used in quantum mechanics to describe the behavior and properties of electrons. It proposes that electrons are not point particles, but instead have a spherical shape due to their wave-like nature.

2. How is the spherical electron model different from the traditional electron model?

The traditional electron model, also known as the point electron model, assumes that electrons are infinitesimally small particles with no size or shape. The spherical electron model, on the other hand, suggests that electrons have a finite size and a spherical shape.

3. What evidence supports the spherical electron model?

One of the main pieces of evidence for the spherical electron model is the experimental observation of electron diffraction patterns. These patterns are consistent with the wave-like behavior of electrons and support the idea that electrons have a spherical shape.

4. How is the spherical electron model mathematically proven?

The mathematical proof of the spherical electron model involves using the equations and principles of quantum mechanics to derive the spherical shape of electrons. This includes solving the Schrödinger equation and analyzing the wave function of electrons.

5. Are there any limitations to the spherical electron model?

While the spherical electron model has been successful in explaining many experimental observations, it is not a perfect representation of electrons. It does not take into account the effects of electron spin and does not fully explain the behavior of electrons in certain situations, such as in a magnetic field.

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