electrons--explained by gardega

I read a lot about electrons today and I thought I would share a simple and very interesting concept.

first, I would like to share this wonderful quote:

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

"The more precisely the position of an electron is determined by observation, the less precisely the momentum is known at that instant, and vice versa."
Heisenberg, 1927

the original model of an electron had it orbiting the nucleus (not unlike a planet around the sun.) The problem is that you can measure both the position and the momentum of a planet but it is not the same with the glorious and finicky electron! It was soon learned that if you look at an electron you effect that electron. For example, light (or protons) when used to view an electron change the position of the electron.

now, my enlightened friend, you may ask how they then determine the zip code of the humble electron as she spins in her orbit? It is here that our science friends use something called orbital shapes and probability. It is possible to draw a volume of space where an electron can be found 95% of the time! The magic is that Mrs. Electron can be found anywhere in the universe the rest of the time. This is not unlike your poodle disappearing and suddenly appearing on the doorstep of the Kremlin.