Saturday, October 19, 2013

Electron shells and energy levels

The electrons of an atom orbit the nucleus in a circular pattern. Some are closer to the nucleus while others are not. We can find out how close the electrons are to the nucleus by determining which electron shell or energy level they belong to. Electron shells are like rings that continue outward away from the nucleus.

Each electron shell holds a set number of electrons with the smallest ring (the one closest to the nucleus) holding the least electrons. There are six electron shells that can be represented with letters or numbers. They can be numbered 1-6 with 1 being closest to the nucleus, or can be represented with the letters K-P with K being closest to the nucleus.

To be continued...

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