Chapter 11, Problem 4RQ

What two kinds of motion are exhibited by the electrons in an atom?

To determine

Two kind of motion exhibited by the electrons in an atom.

Answer to Problem 4RQ

Orbital motion and the spinning motion are the two types of motion exhibited by the electrons in an atom.

Explanation of Solution

Firstly electron revolves around the nucleus just like the Earth revolves around the Sun. That motion is known as the orbital motion. The orbital motion occurs by an object when it is moving in a forward direction, but at the same time, the gravitational force pulls the object towards another object.

Another motion exhibited by the electrons is the spinning motion, which occurs when the electron spins about its axis, just like the spinning of the Earth about its own axis. A motion that causes an object to rotate around an axis through its center of mass(center of gravity) is known as the spinning motion.

Conclusion:

Therefore, orbital motion and the spinning motion are the two types of motion exhibited by the electrons in an atom.