history conjecture

The history conjecture is an alternative conception that an electron derives from, or 'belongs to' (sic, notice the anthropomorphism), a particular atom, and this somehow influences its later behaviour.

This is part of the very common 'molecular' alternative conceptual framework for ionic bonding.

Read about the molecular framework for ionic bonding

Read about the history conjecture

 

"The expert is aware that the electron's history has no significance, but a learner may well expect there to be a greater attraction between an atomic core and the bonding electron that 'belongs' to that atom…" (Taber, 2009, p.81)

Author: Keith

Former school and college science teacher, teacher educator, research supervisor, and research methods lecturer. Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.