In the development of atomic models, it was realized that the atom is mostly empty. Consider a model for the hydrogen atom where its nucleus is a sphere with a radius of roughly 10-15 m, and assume the electron orbits in a circle with a radius of roughly 10-10 m. In order to get a better sense for the emptiness of the atom, choose an object and estimate its width. This object will be your "nucleus". How far away would the "electron" be located away from your "nucleus"?

Question

Emery Gomez

Chemistry

5 September, 03:58

In the development of atomic models, it was realized that the atom is mostly empty. Consider a model for the hydrogen atom where its nucleus is a sphere with a radius of roughly 10-15 m, and assume the electron orbits in a circle with a radius of roughly 10-10 m. In order to get a better sense for the emptiness of the atom, choose an object and estimate its width. This object will be your "nucleus". How far away would the "electron" be located away from your "nucleus"?

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Answers (1)

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Lainey Hubbard · Answer 1

See below

Explanation:

Lets choose a baseball ball which has to have a minimum of diameter of 1.43 inches (1.43 in x 2.54 cm/in = 3.63 cm)

ratio electron/nucleus = 10-10 m / 10-15 m = 100000

distance "e" = 3.63 cm x 100000 = 363000 cm (3630 m or 3.630 km)

Imagine to bat a baseball 3.6 km away!