The word "electronic state" refers to the state of an atom or molecule's electrons, which can have varying energy levels and configurations. The spelling of "electronic" is pronounced as /ɪlɛkˈtrɑnɪk/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the second syllable. The "elec-" segment represents the prefix "elec-" meaning "electricity," while the "-tronic" segment refers to "electronics." The spelling of "state" is pronounced as /steɪt/ with the stress on the first syllable, and refers to a particular condition or status of the electrons in question.
Electronic state refers to the specific arrangement or configuration of electrons in an atom, molecule, or solid material, determining its electronic properties and behavior. It is characterized by the distribution of electrons among various energy levels or orbitals.
In atoms, the electronic state corresponds to the arrangement of electrons in different atomic orbitals. Each electron in an atom occupies a specific orbital, distinguished by its principal quantum number, azimuthal quantum number, and magnetic quantum number. These orbitals can be filled in a particular order based on the Aufbau principle and Pauli exclusion principle, resulting in different electronic states.
In molecules, the electronic state relates to the distribution of electrons among the molecular orbitals formed by the combination of atomic orbitals. The molecular orbitals can be bonding (lower energy) or antibonding (higher energy), determining the stability and reactivity of the molecule. The electronic state of a molecule is often represented by molecular orbital diagrams, showing the occupancy of these orbitals by electrons.
In solid materials, the electronic state refers to the arrangement of electrons within the energy bands formed by the overlapping atomic orbitals. The energy bands can be divided into valence bands (occupied by valence electrons) and conduction bands (partially or completely empty). The occupancy and behavior of electrons in these bands determine the electrical conductivity and other electronic properties of the material. Understanding and controlling the electronic state of solids is crucial for designing electronic devices.
The etymology of the word "electronic state" can be traced back to the Latin word "electrum", which means "amber". The word "electrum" was derived from the Greek word "ēlektron", which also means "amber". In ancient times, people discovered that amber could attract lightweight objects when rubbed, making it an early form of static electricity. Over time, the term "electricity" emerged to describe this phenomenon.
The use of the term "electron" to refer to subatomic particles carrying negative electric charge was coined by the Irish physicist George Johnstone Stoney in 1891. The word "electronic" as an adjective form of "electron" was developed to describe anything related to electrons or their behavior.
In the context of physics, an "electronic state" refers to the specific arrangement and behavior of electrons within an atom, molecule, or solid material.