where in the atom would you put a region of fixed small volume if you wished to maximize the chance o finding the electron inside the volume?
To maximize the chance of finding an electron inside a fixed small volume, you would place it in the region of the atom with the highest electron density. In an atom, electrons are distributed into different energy levels or orbitals. The probability of finding an electron in a specific region can be described by its electron density, which represents the likelihood of finding an electron in a given volume.
Electron density is influenced by factors such as the atomic number and the distribution of electrons within the atom. In general, the electron density is highest in the regions closer to the nucleus. This is because electrons are attracted to the positively charged nucleus and tend to occupy regions closer to it.
Therefore, if you want to maximize the chance of finding an electron within a fixed small volume, you should place it closer to the nucleus. This would increase the probability of finding an electron in that region since the electron density is higher near the nucleus.