No, the distance between atoms is not completely empty. While atoms themselves are mostly empty space, the regions between atoms are not devoid of any particles or interactions.
Atoms consist of a small, dense nucleus composed of protons and neutrons, surrounded by a cloud of electrons. The size of the nucleus is very small compared to the overall size of the atom, meaning that the majority of the atom's volume is indeed empty space.
However, within this space, there are still interactions and particles present. The electrons surrounding the nucleus occupy specific regions called orbitals or electron clouds. These orbitals are not like planetary orbits but rather describe the probability of finding an electron in a particular region around the nucleus.
Furthermore, the electron clouds of neighboring atoms can overlap, forming what are known as chemical bonds. In covalent bonds, atoms share electrons, while in ionic bonds, electrons are transferred between atoms. These bonds result in the formation of molecules or extended structures like crystals, where atoms are held together.
In addition to the electron clouds and chemical bonds, there are other forces and interactions between atoms. For example, atoms can interact through intermolecular forces, such as van der Waals forces or hydrogen bonding, which occur due to temporary shifts in electron distribution.
In summary, while the distance between atoms is mostly empty space, it is not devoid of particles or interactions. The presence of electrons, chemical bonds, and intermolecular forces contributes to the properties and behavior of substances at the atomic and molecular level.