Electrons are located in the regions surrounding the nucleus of an atom, called the electron cloud or energy levels. Unlike protons and neutrons, which are found in the nucleus at the center of the atom, electrons are distributed around the nucleus in shells or energy levels where they are most likely to be found
. These energy levels are like layers or shells at increasing distances from the nucleus. The first energy level is closest to the nucleus and can hold up to 2 electrons, the second level holds up to 8 electrons, and so on. Electrons do not orbit the nucleus in fixed paths like planets around the sun; instead, their positions are described by probabilities within these clouds or shells, reflecting quantum mechanical behavior
. The outermost electrons in the farthest energy level from the nucleus are called valence electrons, which play a key role in chemical bonding
. In summary:
- Electrons are found in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus.
- They occupy discrete energy levels or shells around the nucleus.
- Their exact positions are uncertain but can be predicted probabilistically.
- Valence electrons are in the outermost shell and determine chemical properties.
This model reflects modern understanding based on quantum mechanics rather than classical fixed orbits
