Eli5 why is that an atom is 99,6 % empty space ?

Question

Eli5 why is that an atom is 99,6 % empty space ?

In: 332

Answer 1

This is related to “why don’t electrons spiral into the nucleus?”. Electrons have specific energy levels. Too close to the nucleus is not an allowed energy level, so electrons don’t go there. I know, not a satisfying answer.