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Have Orbitals Really Been Observed?

Scerri, Eric (2000) Have Orbitals Really Been Observed? UNSPECIFIED.

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Abstract

The article disputes the recent claim featured in "Nature" magazine and many other science magazines to the effect that atomic orbitals have been observed for the first time. The claim is incorrect in view of the unconvincing nature of the evidence adduced and since atomic orbitals are deemed unobservable in principle by quantum mechanics. In addition, the possible educational drawbacks of this incorrect claim are discussed.


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Item Type: Other
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Scerri, Ericscerri@chem.ucla.edu0000-0001-9775-5829
Keywords: quantum chemistry, chemistry, atomic orbitals, realism, anti-realism, observation
Subjects: General Issues > Rhetoric of Science
Depositing User: Eric Scerri
Date Deposited: 06 May 2001
Last Modified: 17 Oct 2022 13:52
Item ID: 228
Public Domain: No
Subjects: General Issues > Rhetoric of Science
Date: 2000
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/228

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