Electron Probability Distribution

Poster - Light

An electron's probability density describes the likelihood of finding an electron in a particular region around the nucleus of an atom. Probability density is represented by 3D clouds of probability, called orbitals, graphed in 2 dimensional space.

These graphs are solutions to the Schrödinger equation, and the orbitals illustrate where an electron is most likely to be found, reflecting the inherently probabilistic and quantized nature of quantum mechanics.

Answering the question: "Where are you most likely find an electron around at atom?" using Hydrogen, the most abundant element, as an example. Probability density is typically depicted in with two separate information forward approaches: a map of the atom, and a graph of electron density. This poster combines both approaches to unify the picture.

Processing

Exploring creating probability density plots as 3D interactive code.

Methods of plotting
volumetric data

To find the most effective way to represent this data in 3D, I explored two methods: an interactive, real-time approach using Processing, and a scene-forward method with Maya.

Methods of plotting
volumetric data

Maya

Applying the concepts learned in plotting probability density plots in processing to script a plot in Maya.

The Schrödinger Equation

The Schrödinger equation is a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics that describes how the quantum state of a particle, like an electron, changes over time. At its core, the equation combines the energy of the system (both kinetic and potential) and relates it to a mathematical function called the wavefunction, notated with psi Ψ.

The wavefunction contains all the information about the electron’s possible locations. When you square the wavefunction, you get the probability density—the likelihood of finding the electron at any given point in space. In short, the Schrödinger equation is the tool that allows scientists to predict and visualize the complex, probabilistic behavior of electrons in atoms.

Elements of our Universe