Shells
The electron shells are labeled K, L, M, N, O, P, and Q; or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7; going from innermost shell outwards. Electrons in outer shells have higher average energy and travel farther from the nucleus than those in inner shells. This makes them more important in determining how the atom reacts chemically and behaves as a conductor, because the pull of the atom's nucleus upon them is weaker and more easily broken. In this way, a given element's reactivity is highly dependent upon its electronic configuration.
Read more about this topic: Electron Shell
Famous quotes containing the word shells:
“We are going to pull out the plug. We have reached the point where shells do not hurt us any more.”
—Michel Aoun (b. 1935)
“Sing there upon the beach
Till all’s beyond death’s reach,
And empty shells reply
That all things flourish.”
—Philip Larkin (1922–1986)
“Words today are like the shells and rope of seaweed which a child brings home glistening from the beach and which in an hour have lost their lustre.”
—Cyril Connolly (1903–1974)