Electron shells

Definition

Electron shells are layers around the nucleus of an atom where electrons reside, determined by their energy level. The number of electron shells and their occupancy by electrons govern the chemical properties of an atom.

Related terms

Atomic Orbitals:

Regions in an atom where there is a high probability of finding an electron, each with its specific shape and energy level.

Valence Electrons:

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom, which are crucial for determining how atoms bond with each other.

Quantum Numbers: Numbers that describe the properties of atomic orbitals and the electrons in them, including their energy levels and positions