The Hydrogen Atom

[SrSO4]

Why doesn't the electron spiral into the nucleus of the atom?

 

Surely the electrostatic would cause this. I doesn't. Obviously.

 

Thanks

[timo]

Basically, it comes down to this: your question stems from assuming electrons were little spheres that circle around the nucleus, like in the following picture:

 

This is simply not the case.

[ajb]

Why doesn't the electron spiral into the nucleus of the atom?

 

 

The short answer is Quantum Mechanics.

 

As Timo has pointed out, the electron at the atomic scale does not behave like a small charged sphere acted upon by the electric potential of the nucleus. Another description is required and this is provided by quantum mechanics.

[mississippichem]

Do a little internet search on the word orbital (not orbit). This subject can get quite complex but there is much low hanging qualitative fruit that is easily understood with a little thought and old fashioned curiosity.

 

 

Here's a picture of some "d-orbitals". Along with s, p, and f; these orbitals form the basis of an atom's electronic structure.

 

*notice the ordered shapes of the orbitals, this is no coincidence.