electron clouds
Fuzzy atomic shells
Electron clouds describe the regions around an atom's nucleus where electrons are most likely to be found.
Rather than orbiting in fixed paths like planets, electrons exist in fuzzy, probabilistic zones—hence the cloud metaphor.
The shape and size of these clouds determine how atoms bond with each other and explain much of chemistry.
The electron cloud model replaced the older planetary model of atomic structure.
Central controlling part
- protonPositive nuclear particle
- neutronUncharged nuclear particle
- atomElement's smallest unit
- elementBasic substance or factor
hydrogen · helium · carbon · oxygen · nitrogen · shell · subshell · valence
Quantum state's mathematical representation
- probabilityQuantified chance of occurrence
- superpositionCoexisting in multiple states
- Schrodinger equationQuantum state evolution law
- quantum mechanicsPhysics at nanoscopic scales
quantum state · delocalization · tunneling · interference pattern · standing wave · quantization · fermion · collapse
Gradations of physical vitality
- angular momentumRotational motion quantity
- spinRapid rotation around axis
- nodeConnection point in networks
- lobeRounded projecting part
Sharing electrons between atoms
- ionicConcerning charged particles
- hybridizationMixing distinct genetic lines
- pi bondLateral electron density sharing
- electronegativityAtomic electron attraction strength
nucleus
Central controlling part
element · hydrogen · helium · carbon · oxygen · nitrogen · shell · subshell · valence · orbital
wavefunction
Quantum state's mathematical representation
- probabilityQuantified chance of occurrence
- superpositionCoexisting in multiple states
- Schrodinger equationQuantum state evolution law
quantum mechanics · quantum state · delocalization · tunneling · interference pattern · standing wave · quantization · fermion · collapse · measurement
energy levels
Gradations of physical vitality
- angular momentumRotational motion quantity
- spinRapid rotation around axis
- nodeConnection point in networks
covalent
Sharing electrons between atoms
- ionicConcerning charged particles
- hybridizationMixing distinct genetic lines
- pi bondLateral electron density sharing
- physicsphysics, momentum, atom, acceleration, gravity
- chemical bondingcovalent bonds, ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, double bonds, single bonds
electron, cloud, electrons, clouds, electronic, electronics, electronically, electrode, electro