https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.E01986
If P(x,y,z) dx dy dz is the
probability
of finding an electron in the volume element dx dy dz at the point of a molecular entity with coordinates x,y,z, then P(x,y,z) is the electron density at this point. For many purposes (e.g. X-ray
scattering
, forces on atoms) the system behaves exactly as if the electrons were spread out into a continuously distributed charge. The term has frequently been wrongly applied to negative
charge population
.
See also:
charge density
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. (Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)) on page 1110 [Terms] [Paper]