Which of the following statements about the quantum-mechanical model is false?

• A. Electrons in atoms are described by probability distributions called orbitals.
• B. The quantum-mechanical model allows for precise prediction of both the position and momentum of an electron simultaneously.
• C. Energy levels in atoms are quantized according to the quantum-mechanical model.
• D. The quantum-mechanical model incorporates the wave-particle duality of electrons.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the quantum-mechanical model of the atom, which describes electrons not as particles in fixed orbits but as wavefunctions that give probability distributions called orbitals.
2. Step 2: Recall the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, which states that it is impossible to simultaneously know both the exact position and exact momentum of an electron with perfect precision.
3. Step 3: Analyze each statement: the first statement about electrons being described by orbitals is true because orbitals represent probability distributions.
4. Step 4: The statement about energy levels being quantized is true because electrons can only occupy certain allowed energy states in an atom.
5. Step 5: The statement about the quantum-mechanical model incorporating wave-particle duality is true since electrons exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties; therefore, the false statement is the one claiming precise simultaneous prediction of position and momentum.