elektronhéjának

Elektronhéjának is a theoretical concept in atomic physics referring to the electron shell structure of an atom. In simplified models, electrons are depicted as orbiting the nucleus in discrete energy levels or shells. These shells are designated by principal quantum numbers, typically represented by the letter 'n', where n=1 represents the innermost shell closest to the nucleus, and higher values of 'n' indicate shells further away with higher energy.

Each electron shell can hold a specific maximum number of electrons, determined by the formula 2n². For example, the first shell (n=1) can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, the second shell (n=2) can hold up to 8 electrons, and the third shell (n=3) can hold up to 18 electrons. The arrangement of electrons in these shells, known as the electron configuration, dictates an atom's chemical properties and its behavior in bonding with other atoms.

Electrons occupy the lowest energy shells available first. When a shell is filled to its capacity, electrons begin to occupy the next higher energy shell. The outermost shell, called the valence shell, plays a crucial role in chemical reactions as its electrons are the most accessible for interaction. The concept of electron shells provides a fundamental framework for understanding atomic structure and reactivity.