Which part of an atom is mostly empty space
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Understanding the Empty Space in an Atom
Atomic Structure: Nucleus and Electron Cloud
Atoms are composed of a central nucleus surrounded by a "cloud" of electrons. The nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons, is extremely small, with a diameter on the order of (10^{-14}) meters . In contrast, the electrons occupy a much larger space, with the atom's overall diameter being on the order of (10^{-10}) meters . This significant difference in scale between the nucleus and the electron cloud highlights that most of the atom's volume is, in fact, empty space.
Bohr's Model and Atomic Visualization
Niels Bohr's planetary model of the atom provides a useful framework for understanding this concept. According to Bohr's model, electrons orbit the nucleus in defined paths, similar to planets orbiting the sun. This model helps students and educators visualize that the atom is mostly empty space, with the mass concentrated in the tiny nucleus . The vast distances between the nucleus and the electron orbits further emphasize the emptiness within the atom.
Conclusion
In summary, the majority of an atom's volume is empty space. The nucleus, which contains nearly all the atom's mass, is minuscule compared to the overall size of the atom, which is defined by the electron cloud. This understanding is crucial for grasping the fundamental nature of atomic structure.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic