Question

Describe an electron cloud. Then, name and explain a particular atomic model that used the concept of the electron cloud.

Answer 1

Electron cloud is the region around the nucleus in an atom where we can locate an electron.

The concept of electron cloud model was introduced by the Schrodinger and Heisenberg. According to this model, it would be difficult to know the position of the electrons in an atom and they are not particles that orbit around the nucleus.  We can only expect the electrons to be present in specific areas called the electron clouds around the nucleus. It is the quantum mechanical model that used the concept of electron clouds. According to the model, the electron cloud or an orbital is a space around the nucleus in an atom where the probability of finding an electron is 90%. It explains that electrons show wave nature. It is difficult to determine the exact position and momentum of an electron in an atom.