Question

The electron clouds around the nucleus are of ___________

(a) Spherical shape

(b) Spherical and Dumbbell shape

(c) Spherical and Hexagonal shape

(d) Cannot be determined

I had been asked this question in an international level competition.

This intriguing question comes from Biological Molecules Structures and Functions topic in division Structures and Functions of Biological Molecules of Cell Biology

Answer 1

Right option is (b) Spherical and Dumbbell shape

The explanation is: Electrons swarm around the nucleus of an atom in a mostly unpredictable fashion. Erratic electron behaviour is best described by the electron cloud model. The electron cloud is an area around the nucleus of an atom where electrons are most likely to be found. The clouds are roughly defined by their boundaries which is either spherical or dumbbell shape.