Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 32 - Reading Check Questions (Comprehension) - Page 613: 15

Answer

An electron doesn't spiral inward because it is a wave, and the circumference of its orbit is a whole number of electron wavelengths.

Work Step by Step

When the electron comes around the nucleus each time, the wave interferes constructively with itself, and reinforces itself. This is discussed on page 609.
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