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How does quantum mechanics explain the arrangement of electrons in an atom?

Answer 1

Heather Becker

Quantum mechanics explains the arrangement of electrons in an atom through wave functions and the Schrödinger equation. Electrons exist in orbitals, which are probability distributions rather than fixed paths. These orbitals are defined by quantum numbers: principal (n), angular momentum (l), magnetic (m_l), and spin (m_s), determining the electron’s energy, shape, orientation, and spin.