Which model of the atom describes electrons in "orbitals" like clouds around the nucleus?

The Wave Mechanical Model of the atom accurately describes electrons as existing in "orbitals," which are regions of space around the nucleus where the probability of finding an electron is high. This concept arises from the principles of quantum mechanics, which treat electrons not as particles moving in fixed paths (like planets around the sun), but rather as wave functions that can occupy various positions in a cloud-like manner around the nucleus.

In this model, the shapes and orientations of these orbitals vary based on quantum numbers, resulting in distinct spatial distributions for different electron configurations. This contrasts with previous atomic models that depicted electrons in fixed orbits or as particles with specific locations. The Wave Mechanical Model allows for a more nuanced understanding of electron behavior, accommodating the complex interactions and uncertainties that arise at the quantum level.