The Phantom has provided you with a simulated spectroscope
of an Atom! Amuse the Phantom by observing the spectroscope below and you'll
learn more about the Atom.
Observe the above simulated spectroscope of an atom. Watch
how the single electron (yellow) is spinning around the nucleus (red).
Notice how much space is between the nucleus and the surrounding
electron cloud. Even in a simple atom with only one electron, the electron
moves in a random orbit, creating a cloud-like effect, as seen in this demonstration.
Protons (found in the nucleus of an atom) and Electrons (spinning
around the center of an atom) are electrically charged. Protons have a
positive charge, and electrons have a negative charge. Neutrons have no
electrical charge, and are therefore neutral. Particles which have opposite
electrical charges are attracted to each other, causing the particles of
the atom to stay together. Electrons are said to orbit around the larger
nucleus of the atom. Sometimes these orbits are not circular but irregular
in shape due to the electron pull towards the nucleus of the atom and against
the other elements. Scientists sometimes refer to these energy levels as
electron clouds.