

▲ 6 r/chemhelp
atomic orbitals vs electrons orbiting the nucleus like a planet
Hello! Very basic question here. My chemistry textbook states that the idea that electrons orbit a nucleus like the planets orbit the sun is outdated. This led me to believe the classic drawing and movement of an atom was wrong. However, this drawing at the bottom seems to exactly conflict with the above statements, so now I am confused on this understanding of atoms. Would anyone be able to clear up what the older theory was and how the new one works and moves? Do atoms not orbit the atom by circling around it, but now just in layers? Any clarification on electron movement would be appreciated.
u/Last-Scarcity7281 — 1 day ago