In the realm of atomic structure, the behavior of electrons around the nucleus is described by quantum mechanics, which is different from the classical understanding of objects orbiting each other, such as planets orbiting the Sun. In quantum mechanics, electrons do not follow strictly circular paths like planets orbiting a star.
The movement of electrons is better described as existing within regions called orbitals or energy levels, which represent the probability distribution of finding an electron at a given location around the nucleus. These orbitals have different shapes and orientations, representing the electron's energy and angular momentum.
The distribution of electrons in orbitals is determined by the interaction of the electrons with the positively charged nucleus and the forces that govern their behavior. Specifically, it is the balance between the attractive force of the positively charged nucleus (due to the electromagnetic force) and the repulsive force between the negatively charged electrons that determines the arrangement of electrons.
The arrangement of electrons is guided by the principles of quantum mechanics, such as the Pauli exclusion principle and the Aufbau principle, which dictate how electrons occupy the available energy levels and orbitals in a specific sequence.
In an atom, the positively charged protons in the nucleus do exert an attractive force on the negatively charged electrons. However, the repulsion between electrons themselves also plays a role in determining their distribution. The electrons tend to distribute themselves in a way that minimizes their electrostatic repulsion while maximizing their attraction to the nucleus.
The number of protons in the nucleus (determining the atomic number) does play a significant role in defining the chemical properties and behavior of an element. However, it does not directly dictate the specific arrangement of electrons. The electron distribution is determined by various factors, including the quantum mechanical nature of electrons and the interaction between electrons and the nucleus.
Overall, the electron distribution in an atom is a complex phenomenon influenced by multiple factors, and it cannot be simply explained by a larger number of protons compared to electrons.