Langmuir's Theory

the basic idea which was basically correct, that electrons in an atom are arranged in shells which correspond to the periods of the PERIODIC TABLE, and that the most stable configuration (structure) is a complete shell.

Taken from Dictionary of Science

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THE great objection to Langmuir's theory of atomic structure is the difficulty of accepting his hypothesis of stationary electrons.In view of the extraordinary power of the theory, it is important to inquire if Langmuir's argument from the fixity of direction of the valency forces necessarily holds. There appear to be various ways in which the rotation can be imagined of the stable groups of electrons formed by the combination of atoms. The figures represent diagrammatically, according to Langmuir's system, rotating groups of electrons in the outer shells of molecules of neon, fluorine, and oxygen. In the case of the fluorine molecule the six electrons, forming two quartets with two electrons in common, may revolve as a whole. The same thing may happen in the oxygen molecule, or the electrons may revolve as three quartets. Revolution of the stable groups of electrons would add to the stability of the molecules formed by their combination and increase the directional steadiness of the valency forces. In this way it may be possible to reconcile Langmuir's theory with that of Bohr.

Taken from The Smithsonian/NASA Astrophysics Data System

Labile

a term used in chemistry which means not stable, likely to change.

Taken from Dictionary of Science

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The term is used to describe a relatively unstable and transient chemical species. As a general example, if molecule exists in a particular conformation for a short life-time, before adopting a lower energy conformation, the former molecular structure is said to have 'high lability' (such as C₂₅, a 25-carbon fullerene spheroid). The term is sometimes also used in reference to reactivity - for example, a complex which quickly reaches equilibrium in solution is said to be labile (with respect to that solution).

Taken from Wikipedia