Electronic Structure
Electronic Structure - Related Videos
02:28
Electronic Structure of Atoms
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2023
An atom comprises protons and neutrons, which are contained inside the dense, central core called the nucleus, with electrons present around the nucleus. Taking into account the wave–particle duality of electrons and the uncertainty in position around the nucleus, quantum mechanics provides a more accurate model for the atomic structure. It describes atomic orbitals as the regions around the nucleus where electrons of discrete energy exist, characterized by four quantum numbers: n, l, ml, and...
12:38
Structure of HIV-1 Capsid Assemblies by Cryo-electron Microscopy and Iterative Helical Real-space Reconstruction
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Cited by 8 •
2011
This article describes a method to obtain a three-dimensional (3D) structure of helically assembled molecules using cryo-electron microscopy. In this protocol, we use HIV-1 capsid assemblies to illustrate the detailed 3D reconstruction procedure for achieving a density map by the iterative helical real-space reconstruction method.
01:07
Radicals: Electronic Structure and Geometry
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2023
This lesson delves into the geometry of a radical, which is influenced by the electronic structure of the molecule. The principle is similar to that of a lone pair, where the unpaired electron influences the geometry at the radical center. Accordingly, the structure of a trivalent radical lies between the geometries of carbocations and carbanions. An sp2-hybridized carbocation is trigonal planar, while an sp3-hybridized carbanion is trigonal pyramidal. Here, the difference in geometry is...
11:52
Single Particle Cryo-Electron Microscopy: From Sample to Structure
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Cited by 8 •
2021
Structure determination of macromolecular complexes using cryoEM has become routine for certain classes of proteins and complexes. Here, this pipeline is summarized (sample preparation, screening, data acquisition and processing) and readers are directed towards further detailed resources and variables that may be altered in the case of more challenging specimens.
09:20
Microwave Assisted Rapid Diagnosis of Plant Virus Diseases by Transmission Electron Microscopy
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Cited by 16 •
2011
This study describes a method that allows the rapid and clear diagnosis of plant virus diseases in about half a day by using a combination of microwave assisted plant sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy and negative staining methods.
FAQs
Quantized energy levels and orbitals determine which electronic states are available to electrons and how those electrons can be arranged. Because these states are governed by quantum mechanics, atomic-scale changes are not treated as continuous variations. Engineers use this information as a starting point for relating a material’s microscopic electronic behavior to its chemical, electrical, optical, and mechanical performance.
Interactions between atoms do more than bring particles together: they produce chemical bonds that alter the resulting electronic arrangement. Those bonds help connect atomic organization with material behavior, so electronic structure analysis can explain why a material exhibits particular chemical or mechanical characteristics. In engineering, this connection supports the evaluation of functional materials rather than relying only on macroscopic measurements.
The relevant description changes as individual atoms interact and form larger systems. Atoms are considered through their quantized levels and orbitals, molecules through the electronic consequences of chemical bonding, and solids through energy bands and band gaps created by interactions among many atoms. This progression lets engineers connect increasingly complex structures with bulk material behavior.
Energy bands and band gaps provide a framework for distinguishing how solid materials may support engineering functions. Their presence helps engineers evaluate and select semiconductors and conductors, where electronic behavior is central to performance. The same information also supports the design of electronic and photonic devices by linking solid-state electronic structure with intended device operation.
A practical workflow begins by examining the relevant electronic states, orbitals, bonding interactions, or solid-state bands. Engineers then relate those features to the property of interest, such as electrical, optical, chemical, or mechanical behavior. Finally, they use the connection to predict performance, select a material, or guide the design of an application-specific technology.
Electronic structure helps engineers compare candidate solids through their energy bands and band gaps before selecting materials for devices. This approach connects microscopic electronic behavior with the electrical response required in electronic technologies and the optical behavior needed in photonic technologies. It therefore supports material selection and device designs tailored to particular performance requirements.
Catalysts, batteries, and other functional materials depend on properties that originate at the atomic and electronic scales. Examining orbitals, bonding, and interactions between atoms gives engineers a basis for evaluating how a material may perform chemically or electrically. These insights support the development of materials with more efficient, reliable, and application-specific behavior.