When two atoms impact each other, the electron shells, or more precisely the electron orbitals, do not undergo significant deformation in the sense of changing their overall shape. Electron orbitals represent the regions in space where an electron is most likely to be found. They have specific shapes, such as spherical (s), dumbbell-shaped (p), and more complex shapes for higher energy levels (d and f orbitals).
When atoms collide or interact, the primary effect is the redistribution of electrons between the atoms, leading to changes in the bonding and electronic structure. The interaction between atoms can result in the sharing, transfer, or redistribution of electrons, which can lead to the formation of chemical bonds, chemical reactions, or changes in the electronic configurations of the atoms.
The specific changes in the electron distribution depend on the nature of the interaction, the energy involved, and the atoms or molecules involved. In some cases, atoms may undergo electronic rearrangement, causing electron transitions between different orbitals or energy levels. These transitions may involve excitations or de-excitations of electrons, which can result in the emission or absorption of photons.
It is important to note that the electron orbitals and their shapes are primarily determined by the properties of individual atoms and their atomic nuclei. The impact between atoms does not alter the intrinsic shapes of the electron orbitals themselves. However, the electronic rearrangements that occur during the interaction can influence the resulting molecular structure and the distribution of electrons in the formed molecules or compounds.
In summary, when two atoms collide or interact, the electron orbitals themselves do not deform in terms of their overall shapes. However, the interaction can lead to electronic rearrangements, changes in electron distribution, and the formation of chemical bonds, ultimately resulting in the formation of molecules with different electronic and structural properties.