Chapter 15, Problem 15TE

To determine

Whether a shell contain electrons in order to exist.

Answer to Problem 15TE

The shell must contain electrons for the existence of an atom.

Explanation of Solution

The electron has surrounded the nucleus by moving in the different shells. The electrons are distributed in a different shell so that the strong nuclear forces balance. If the shells in an atom become absent then all the electrons will fall in the nucleus and the atom does not exist due to this phenomenon.

The electrons in an atom must distribute in a different shell for the existence of the atom, so the shell must contain electrons.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the shell must contain electrons for the existence of the atom.