Compare and contrast Electron and Nucleon States

[Akim679]

Anyone know the difference between how electron fill the orbitals as opposed to nucleons. And what are the special properties of systems with closed shell characteristics.

 

[radhika84]

why nuclear energy level is discrete

 

[sir-pinski]

Electrons and nucleons are both types of particles found in atoms, but they have different properties and behaviors.

Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit around the nucleus of an atom. They are much smaller than nucleons, with a mass of approximately 1/1800th of a nucleon. Electrons are organized into energy levels and sublevels within the atom, and they fill these orbitals in a specific pattern known as the Aufbau principle. This means that electrons fill the lowest energy levels first before moving on to higher energy levels. Additionally, electrons follow the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two electrons can have the same set of quantum numbers, meaning that they must have opposite spins.

On the other hand, nucleons are particles found in the nucleus of an atom and are made up of protons and neutrons. They are much larger than electrons and have a positive charge (protons) or no charge (neutrons). Nucleons do not follow a specific pattern when filling the nucleus, as they are held together by the strong nuclear force rather than orbiting in specific energy levels.

One of the key differences between electron and nucleon states is their stability. Electrons are constantly moving and can easily be removed or added to an atom, making them less stable. Nucleons, on the other hand, are tightly bound together by the strong nuclear force, making them more stable.

Systems with closed shell characteristics refer to atoms or molecules that have completely filled electron shells. This means that all of the orbitals in the outermost energy level are filled with electrons, creating a stable configuration. These systems have special properties, such as increased stability and resistance to chemical reactions. This is because the filled electron shells create a balanced charge that makes it difficult for other atoms or molecules to interact with them.

In summary, electrons and nucleons have different properties and behaviors due to their size and charge. Electrons fill orbitals in a specific pattern while nucleons are held together by the strong nuclear force. Systems with closed shell characteristics have increased stability due to the completely filled electron shells.