Atomic structure: nucleus, protons and electron shells

Page 1

Atomic Structure

At the center of the atom is the nucleus. It contains positively charged protons and natural neutrons. Around the nucleus are shells which contains negatively charged electrons. Electrons are held in place by a force of attraction to the nucleus. The first shell can only contain two electrons. The second can only hold eight electrons and same with the third shell, with eight electrons as the capacity too.

The reason for why the electrons are structured in such a manner is simple. If they weren't ordered the way they're, it would be impossible to have a stable electron arrangement.