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Related Concept Videos

Electron Behavior00:54

Electron Behavior

Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles that are attracted to an orbit around the positively-charged nucleus of an atom. They reside in locations that are associated with energy levels called shells and are further organized into sub-shells and orbitals within each shell.Electrons Orbit the NucleusElectrons are found in specific locations outside of the nucleus. The shell in which an electron resides indicates the general energy level of the electron: those closer to the nucleus...
Atomic Radii and Effective Nuclear Charge03:08

Atomic Radii and Effective Nuclear Charge

The elements in groups of the periodic table exhibit similar chemical behavior. This similarity occurs because the members of a group have the same number and distribution of electrons in their valence shells.
Nuclear Stability03:18

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Protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons, are packed together tightly in a nucleus. With a radius of about 10−15 meters, a nucleus is quite small compared to the radius of the entire atom, which is about 10−10 meters. Nuclei are extremely dense compared to bulk matter, averaging 1.8 × 1014 grams per cubic centimeter. If the earth’s density were equal to the average nuclear density, the earth’s radius would be only about 200 meters.
To hold positively charged protons together in the...
Nuclear Binding Energy02:13

Nuclear Binding Energy

The difference between the calculated and experimentally measured masses is known as the mass defect of the atom. In the case of helium-4, the mass defect indicates a “loss” in mass of 4.0331 amu – 4.0026 amu = 0.0305 amu. The loss in mass accompanying the formation of an atom from protons, neutrons, and electrons is due to the conversion of that mass into energy that is evolved as the atom forms. The nuclear binding energy is the energy produced when the atoms’ nucleons are bound together;...
Electronic Structure of Atoms02:28

Electronic Structure of Atoms


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...
Electron Behavior01:09

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Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles attracted to and orbit around the positively-charged nucleus of an atom. They reside in spaces associated with energy levels called shells and are further organized into subshells and orbitals within each shell.
Electrons Orbit the Nucleus
Electrons are found in specific locations outside of the nucleus. The shell in which an electron resides indicates the general energy level of the electron: those closer to the nucleus have less energy,...

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Preparing an Isotopically Pure 229Th Ion Beam for Studies of 229mTh
10:42

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Published on: May 3, 2019

Quantum electronic stability of atomically uniform films.

D A Luh1, T Miller, J J Paggel

  • 1Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1110 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801-3080, USA.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|May 12, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Thin silver films on iron substrates exhibit thickness-dependent stability. Stable films (1-5 monolayers) withstand high temperatures, while others destabilize, bifurcating at lower temperatures.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Surface Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

  • Understanding thin film stability is crucial for developing advanced materials.
  • Silver films on iron substrates are relevant for catalysis and electronic applications.
  • Quantum well effects can significantly influence the properties of ultrathin films.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the structural stability of ultrathin silver (Ag) films deposited on an iron (Fe(100)) substrate.
  • To determine the critical thicknesses and temperature thresholds for Ag film stability.
  • To correlate experimental findings with theoretical predictions regarding film stability.

Main Methods:

  • Deposition of silver films with controlled thicknesses (1-15 monolayers) on Fe(100).
  • Utilizing photoemission spectroscopy to probe film structure and stability.
  • Varying substrate temperatures to identify stability limits.

Main Results:

  • Ag films with thicknesses of 1, 2, and 5 monolayers are structurally stable above 800 Kelvin.
  • Ag films of other thicknesses (N=3, 4, 6-15) are unstable, undergoing structural bifurcation around 400 Kelvin.
  • Observed instability leads to changes in film thickness by +/- 1 monolayer.

Conclusions:

  • Film thickness is a critical parameter governing the structural stability of Ag films on Fe(100).
  • Electronic quantum well states play a significant role in stabilizing specific film thicknesses.
  • The study provides insights into the fundamental mechanisms controlling ultrathin film behavior.