Chapter 2, Problem 1TMW

Electrons zip around the nucleus at about 5 million miles per hour. Why don’t they fly off?

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The reason that why electrons that zip around nucleus at about 5 miles per hour do not fly off.

Introduction:

All the matter that is present in the universe is made up of small particles known as atom. The centre of the atom consists of dense nucleus formed with protons and neutrons, the subatomic particles.

Explanation of Solution

Each proton that is present in the nucleus of atom carries positive charge and neutron carries no charge. The charge on each electron is negative. Increase and decrease in the number of proton determines the atomic number of atom.

The negatively charged electrons are present in the orbitals that neutralize the positive charge present in the nucleus of atom. Electrons revolve around the nucleus of atom at very high speed of around 5 miles per hour but still do not fly off form their orbitals. This is due to the presence of chemical bonds in atom. Electrons are maintained in their respective orbital because of the attraction to the positively charged nucleus.

Conclusion

Due to the presence of chemical bonds or attractive forces in atom the high speed revolving electrons do not leave the orbitals of atom.