electronshell
nounUK /ɪˈlɛktrɒn ʃɛl/
US /ɪˈlɛktrɑːn ʃɛl/
An electron shell is a layer around an atom where electrons hang out.
The first electron shell of a hydrogen atom holds just one electron.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A region of space around a nucleus where electrons with similar energy are likely to be found.
Chemists describe each electron shell by its principal quantum number.
3. The outermost layer of electrons that determines how an atom bonds with others.
Elements with a full outer electron shell are usually very stable.
4. A conceptual grouping of electron orbitals at the same energy level in an atom.
The second electron shell contains both s and p orbitals.