atomic potential wells

Atomic potential wells describe how an electron behaves around an atom. Imagine the nucleus as a strong magnet, and the electron as a charged particle attracted to it. The potential well is like a valley in which the electron "rests," confined by the attractive forces. If the electron gains enough energy, it can escape the well — this is ionization. The shape and depth of the well depend on the atom's properties, determining how tightly electrons are held and how they interact with light and other particles. This concept helps explain atomic structure and chemical behavior.