The probability wave functions of particles such as electrons means that electrons have a probability of being anywhere in space but more likely just around the nuleus of an atom. I'm not sure but I presume there are no limits to this wave function are there? If not then there is still some chance that an electron could be found literally miles away from its parent nucleus!!(excluding of course electrical conductance!).

Does anyone think that an electron does indeed have huge freedom of movement but even if the universe were infinite in time, there would be zero chance of finding an electron at some distance from the nucleus? In other words that the wavelength does have some limits?

John,
Think about why you think there should be a limit.

I think you need to let go of common sense when you're dealing with quantum theory.

It makes good sense, but not common sense.

I suppose I think there should be limit because nobody (in our short period on the earth, granted) has ever witnessed an electron so far away from its parent atom.

I agree that most of quantum theory is baffling simply because it is not apparent at our scale however theres no point in making it confusing just because u think it is supposed to be confusing. Unless theres a reason I dont know about, a simpler theory would be a wavefunction with some kind of limits whatever they may be, which prevent the absurdity of electrons being free to pop up 2 miles from the nucleus!!!
Unless someone corrects me, can we not say that electrons simply CANNOT do this? That they have only limited (yet very large) freedom of movement/position?

...can we not say that electrons simply CANNOT do this? That they have only limited (yet very large) freedom of movement/position?Why? Why make an absolute statement for no toher reason that it makes you feel more comfortable?

You do realise that electrons don't need to have a 'parent atom', and that atoms can happily lose an electron and continue on their merry way?

I think he is trying to say why electrons don't always run away or stay very far away from parent nucleus. Even if they could why don't they. I believe Strong nuclear force keeps the electrons at bay because like Pete said eectrons can survive without a parent atom.

Originally posted by sargentlard
I think he is trying to say why electrons don't always run away or stay very far away from parent nucleus. Even if they could why don't they. I believe Strong nuclear force keeps the electrons at bay because like Pete said eectrons can survive without a parent atom.

strong nuclear force does NOT keep electrons at bay. It's the fact that electrons are negative and the nucleus is positive that does. It's charge attaction.

Originally posted by blackholesun
strong nuclear force does NOT keep electrons at bay. It's the fact that electrons are negative and the nucleus is positive that does. It's charge attaction.

Really? hmm forgive me.....i am not too well read on my quantum physics and chemistry.

Then why can electrons in metals move freely?

Originally posted by sargentlard
I believe Strong nuclear force keeps the electrons at bay because like Pete said eectrons can survive without a parent atom.

The question is not about what keeps electrons at bay but the opposite. Why say the electrons can pop up anywhere when it has never been or probably never will be observed. I, or nobody else, can prove it yet but I have a hunch that in nature (as opposed to quantum THEORY), there is most likely some kind of limit to the wavefuntion of such particles

If you throw a million pennies up in the air and let them land on a parking lot, there is a very small probability that they will all land heads up, although you expect them to be about half heads and half tails.

Similarly, there is a damn small probability that some electron will be light years away when it is most likely to be nearby.

BTW: If you flipped one million coins, there is hardly any chance that you would get exactly half heads and half tails.