Bohr and The Hydrogen Atom

Magnets and Iron Filings

Think IconDo opposites really attract? You probably know that two similar (or like) charges repel each other, and you also probably know that two opposite charges attract each other. View the image of the magnets and iron filings shown above. The image on the left shows two magnets that are attracted to one another. Observe how the iron filings are arranged. Now, view the magnets on the right. Here the magnets are of opposite charges. Observe how the magnets are scattering the iron filings.

Since opposite charges attract and like charges repel, why are the electrons and protons not located together in the nucleus? Take a moment to think of a few reasons why electrons are protons might be separated from one another.