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Citation: Jin Jia, Shangda Jiang. Is the z Axis Special in Atomic Structure?[J]. University Chemistry, ;2024, 39(6): 400-404. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202403091 shu

Is the z Axis Special in Atomic Structure?

Jin Jia ,
Shangda Jiang

Spin-X Institute, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, China

Received Date: 25 March 2024
Revised Date: 7 April 2024

This paper introduces fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics, including quantum state space, basis functions, and unitary transformations, to explain why the z axis appears special in atomic structure. It clarifies that in a spherically symmetric atomic structure, no direction is inherently special. The perceived special nature of the z axis primarily arises from the choice of specific basis functions used to describe the electron motion in the atom.
- Atomic structure,
- Spherical harmonics,
- Tesseral harmonics,
- Angular momentum components
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