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Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / What are electron shells, and why don't electrons fall into the nucleus
« on: 09/01/2006 21:04:55 »
There was another topic that I have just been on about electrons and what makes them stay around the atom, which I kinda already new []
But I was wondering, I always learnt that there are electron shells around an atom. There are 2 on the first shell and 8 on the others.
First question: What are the shells exactly, are they real physical solid things or just like energy forces or something.
Second question: Why aren't all of the electrons just pulled straight into the nucleus with the neurtons and protons if it is the protons they are attracted to.
Third question: I know as I mentioned before that in the first shell there are only 2 electrons and other there are 8. When you get a certain amount of shells and electrons can you ever fit more than 8 in?
But I was wondering, I always learnt that there are electron shells around an atom. There are 2 on the first shell and 8 on the others.
First question: What are the shells exactly, are they real physical solid things or just like energy forces or something.
Second question: Why aren't all of the electrons just pulled straight into the nucleus with the neurtons and protons if it is the protons they are attracted to.
Third question: I know as I mentioned before that in the first shell there are only 2 electrons and other there are 8. When you get a certain amount of shells and electrons can you ever fit more than 8 in?