What is the main reason for the stability of the electron orbits in an atom?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the main reason for the stability of the electron orbits in an atom?
Centripetal force
Electrostatic force
Quantum mechanics
All of the above
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the main reason for the stability of the electron orbits in an atom?
Step 1: Understand that atoms are made up of a nucleus (protons and neutrons) and electrons that orbit around it.
Step 2: Learn that electrons do not orbit like planets around the sun; instead, they exist in 'clouds' or 'orbitals' where they are likely to be found.
Step 3: Recognize that quantum mechanics is the branch of physics that explains how very small particles, like electrons, behave.
Step 4: Realize that electrons have specific energy levels and can only exist in certain allowed orbits, which makes them stable.
Step 5: Understand that when electrons are in these stable orbits, they do not lose energy and do not spiral into the nucleus.
