Question

How is an electron orbital similar to a parabola?

Answer 1

Answer:

Explained below.

Explanation:

First of all, the orbital path of electron is mostly parabolic in electric field.

In an electric field, electrons behave very similar to a projectile. Thus, Electrons have a parabolic path in an electric field simply because the speed of the electrons in a direction which is perpendicular to the electric field is constant since there is no force. Therefore, there will be no acceleration along that perpendicular direction. However there will be an acceleration that is constant in the direction of the electric field which makes it act in a similar manner to a projectile under gravity.