Question

Criticize the following statement: "Since an atom's electron cloud is spherical, the effect of the electrons cancels the effect of the nucleus, so a neutral atom can't interact with a charged object." ("Criticize" means to explain why the given statement is inadequate or incorrect, as well as to correct it.)

Short answer

Electrons do not move inside a circular path.

Step-by-step solution

Significance of Maxwell’s electromagnetism equation

Maxwell’s electromagnetic equation has four equations that are Gauss’ electric fields law, the formula of the magnetic field, Faraday’s magnetic induction law, and Ampere’s current displacement.

Criticizing the given statement

Electrons do not move inside a circular path. However, the movement of the electrons in a circular orbit was explained in quantum physics. Also, due to gravity, a negatively charged electron moves around a nucleus having positively charged particles such as protons. Maxwell's electromagnetism equation, while in a classical motion, is described as an electric current, which would create a magnetic field emitted by the electron moving in spherical or circular orbits. However,it would lose its energy and fall on the nucleus in no time. Hence, this has not been observed to occur like this.

As there is electron movement, hence, the movement is not a trajectorial classical movement. However, in quantum physics, it makes sense while considering the probabilities to find the electrons at different angles and distances from the nucleus. Moreover, the probability distributions mainly depend on the quantum numbers, angular momentum, and energy level eventually giving a better approximation.

Thus, Electrons do not move inside a circular path.