Electron shell

As nuclear envelope or electron shell of an atom is referred to the part, which consists of electrons. The division into atomic shell and the nucleus is part of all atomic models since Ernest Rutherford. Because of the low mass of the electrons due to the uncertainty that the sheath is more than 10,000 times greater than the core. This typically carries 4,000 to 5,000 times more for the mass of an atom at than the shell.

The structure of the electron shell largely determines the physical and chemical properties of the atoms.

For more information

For the quantum mechanical treatment of individual electrons of the atomic shell see atomic orbital. The responsible for the chemical bonds, outer part of the atomic shell is the valence shell.