A hydrogen atom has a diameter of approximately 1.06 x 10−10 m, which is defined by the diameter of the spherical electron cloud surrounding its nucleus. In contrast, the hydrogen nucleus, which consists of a single proton, has a diameter of around 2.0 x 10−15 m.
This means that the electron cloud is significantly larger than the nucleus, illustrating the relative scale of atomic structures. The electron cloud represents the probable location of the electron and its size is a consequence of quantum mechanics, where electrons exist in a region of space rather than at a fixed point.
The vast difference in size between the hydrogen atom and its nucleus highlights the empty space that makes up most atomic structures. Understanding the dimensions of atoms and their nuclei is crucial in fields such as chemistry and physics, as it contributes to our comprehension of atomic interactions and molecular formations.