[freedom9]

If the nucleus of an atom were the size of this O, the electron that orbits it, would be about a quarter of a mile away.
I think that's a considerable amount of space

[RightWhale]

Yes, of course. But on that scale the electrons are 1/2 a mile in diameter and fill up the space. Neutrons are small, that can be measured by collisions. Protons are assumed to be the same size as neutrons. But electrons are huge by comparison. Exactly how huge depends on whether they are captured by atoms or free.

[Gladwin]

Electrons have orbitals, not orbits. "Electron orbitals are the probability distribution of an electron in a atom or molecule" The above picture is an electron orbital from the page. Electrons exist as a standing wave when captured in an atom.

[Gladwin]

Electrons have orbitals, not orbits. "Electron orbitals are the probability distribution of an electron in a atom or molecule" The above picture is an electron orbital from the page. Electrons exist as a standing wave when captured in an atom.