Are electrons bound to the nucleis?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter IAmAnthony
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Bound Electrons
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Electrons are not fixed in place but are attracted to the nucleus of an atom, primarily due to electromagnetic forces. This attraction keeps electrons in their respective orbitals or shells, forming a cohesive structure known as the atom. The discussion emphasizes the distinction between being "bound" and being influenced by these forces, clarifying that while electrons are part of the atomic structure, they are not stationary.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic structure and the role of electrons
  • Basic knowledge of electromagnetic forces
  • Familiarity with atomic orbitals and shells
  • Concept of chemical bonding
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of quantum mechanics related to electron behavior
  • Study the electromagnetic force and its impact on atomic structure
  • Explore the concept of atomic orbitals in detail
  • Learn about the role of electrons in chemical bonding
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, chemistry enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding atomic theory and the behavior of electrons within atoms.

IAmAnthony
Messages
13
Reaction score
11
I'm not questioning whether electrons exist or whether or not they have a role in chemical bonding. I'm just asking how we know the nucleis and electrons are just parts of a larger whole, aka the atom.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
IAmAnthony said:
I'm not questioning whether electrons exist or whether or not they have a role in chemical bonding. I'm just asking how we know the nucleis and electrons are just parts of a larger whole, aka the atom.
Welcome to PF!

The word "bound" implies they are fixed in place, which they aren't. However they are attracted to the nucleus and mostly kept in their orbitals/shells by electromagnetism. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron#Atomic_theory
 
@IAmAnthony

Did Russ answer you question ?
do you need any other clarification ?

Responding to people who help you is the polite thing to do :smile:

Dave
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
969
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
7K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
11K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
8K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K