๐Ÿงชap chemistry review

Shell model

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025

Definition

A model of atomic structure in which electrons occupy discrete shells (energy levels) around the nucleus; used to explain periodic trends and the organization of the periodic table.

AP course connection

Topic 1.7: 1.7 Periodic Trends

Unit 1

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