Complex Representation of an Atomic Orbital
Visualization of a complex atomic orbital : 3D visualization of a complex atomic orbital : Visualization of the real and imaginary components of a quantum wavefunction over time What This Animation Represents: The left panel (Blue) : Shows how the real part of the orbital oscillates. The right panel (Red) : Shows how the imaginary part oscillates. The wavefunction rotates in complex space , meaning its real and imaginary components continuously transform into each other —just like how electric and magnetic fields oscillate in an EM wave Key Takeaways: This is analogous to how electromagnetic waves oscillate in phase : The real part can be seen as the "electric field" . The imaginary part behaves like the "magnetic field" . This behavior is fundamental in quantum mechanics : Describes electron orbitals in atoms and molecules. Crucial for molecular bonding and spectroscopy . Underlies quantum superposition and entanglement .