What does the quantum mechanical model state about an atom's electrons?

The quantum mechanical model of the atom fundamentally changes our understanding of where electrons are located and how they behave. It posits that electrons cannot be precisely tracked in terms of defined paths or orbits. Instead, the model emphasizes that electrons exist in regions of probability known as orbitals, where their exact position and momentum cannot both be known simultaneously, as described by Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle. This means we can only predict the likelihood of finding an electron in a particular area around the nucleus at any given time.

The model importantly reflects the dual nature of electrons, exhibiting both particle and wave-like behaviors, but it does not suggest that they move in fixed orbits, which would be a characteristic of earlier atomic models. Instead, the quantum mechanical model embraces a more complex approach to understanding electron distribution, emphasizing the probabilistic nature of their locations rather than fixed paths.