Electron shell

Electron shell is a term used in Atomic Physics and Chemistry to describe the physical boundary of an atom. This boundary is defined by the energy levels of the electrons that orbit the nucleus of the atom. The electron shell can also be referred to as a principal energy level.

Overview

The concept of an electron shell was first proposed by Niels Bohr in 1913. Bohr's model of the atom suggested that electrons orbit the nucleus in distinct levels, or shells. Each shell is associated with a range of energies and can hold a certain maximum number of electrons. The shells are filled in a specific order, with the lowest energy levels being filled first.

Structure of Electron Shells

Electron shells are organized into subshells, which are made up of atomic orbitals. Each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons. The number of subshells in a shell, and the number of orbitals in a subshell, can vary. The first shell has only one subshell, which has one orbital. The second shell has two subshells, with a total of four orbitals, and so on.

Electron Configuration

The arrangement of electrons in an atom's electron shell is known as the atom's electron configuration. The electron configuration determines many of the chemical properties of the atom, including its reactivity and the types of chemical bonds it can form.

See Also

• Atomic orbital
• Atomic Physics
• Chemistry
• Niels Bohr
• Electron configuration

References

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