Which statement about Schrödinger's theory of the atomic model is true?

• A. It was the first atomic model to include the concept of quantized energy levels.
• B. It states that electrons have definite positions and momenta at all times.
• C. It describes electrons as existing in fixed orbits around the nucleus.
• D. It treats electrons as waves and predicts the probability of finding an electron in a given region.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Schrödinger's atomic model is based on quantum mechanics and introduces the concept of the electron as a wave rather than a particle in a fixed path.
2. Recall that earlier atomic models, like Bohr's model, described electrons in fixed orbits with quantized energy levels, but did not treat electrons as waves.
3. Recognize that Schrödinger's theory uses a wave function, denoted as \(\Psi\), which provides information about the probability distribution of an electron's position rather than exact locations or momenta.
4. Note that the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, which is consistent with Schrödinger's model, states that electrons do not have definite positions and momenta simultaneously, contradicting the idea of definite paths.
5. Conclude that the true statement about Schrödinger's atomic model is that it treats electrons as waves and predicts the probability of finding an electron in a given region, rather than fixed orbits or definite positions.