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Physical Environment > Shell Model of Hydrogen |
This site tells the story of the history of the universe. Click Earlier and Later to follow the story. Note: Many facts have been simplified to make them easier to understand. |
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The shell model of the atom explains why different atoms have different chemical properties. It is one of the great simplifying ideas of chemistry.
Remember this is a model, a simplified picture which helps us think about the atom. Thought ExperimentImage adding electrons to a nucleus, one at a time. In this experiment we think of the nucleus as a red dot. 1. We add the first electron. In this experiment we think of the electron as a blue dot moving round and round the nucleus, as in the picture. We now have something looking like a hydrogen atom. The electron forms a cloud-like ball around the nucleus. We can think of it as a shell, like an egg shell or the skin of a football. The shell is not full, since it can take more electrons. The first electron allows other electrons in to share its space. This is why hydrogen can form covalent bonds. Also this electron is quite easily lost. Atoms which can loose electrons are called reducing agents or electron donors. Hydrogen is a reducing agent. |
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Physical Environment > Shell Model of Hydrogen |
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