CHAPTER ONE
Atomic Structure – A Quick Overview
All matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms. An atom is the smallest unit of an element that still retains the element’s chemical properties. Although extremely small, atoms have an internal structure made of even smaller particles.
Main Parts of an Atom
-
Nucleus
-
Located at the center of the atom.
-
Contains protons (positively charged) and neutrons (neutral).
-
Almost all the atom’s mass is concentrated here.
-
-
Electrons
-
Negatively charged particles that move around the nucleus.
-
Arranged in energy levels or shells.
-
Their arrangement determines how atoms interact and bond.
-
Key Points
-
Protons: Positive charge, mass ≈ 1 atomic mass unit (amu).
-
Neutrons: No charge, mass ≈ 1 amu.
-
Electrons: Negative charge, very small mass compared to protons and neutrons.
-
Atomic number = number of protons.
-
Mass number = protons + neutrons.
Why Atomic Structure Matters
Understanding atomic structure helps explain:
-
Chemical reactions
-
Bonding between atoms
-
Properties of elements in the periodic table
If you'd like, I can also give an extended explanation, diagrams, or multiple-choice questions for practice!
Here’s a brief introduction to atomic structure:
Atomic Structure – A Quick Overview
All matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms. An atom is the smallest unit of an element that still retains the element’s chemical properties. Although extremely small, atoms have an internal structure made of even smaller particles.
Main Parts of an Atom
-
Nucleus
-
Located at the center of the atom.
-
Contains protons (positively charged) and neutrons (neutral).
-
Almost all the atom’s mass is concentrated here.
-
-
Electrons
-
Negatively charged particles that move around the nucleus.
-
Arranged in energy levels or shells.
-
Their arrangement determines how atoms interact and bond.
-
Key Points
-
Protons: Positive charge, mass ≈ 1 atomic mass unit (amu).
-
Neutrons: No charge, mass ≈ 1 amu.
-
Electrons: Negative charge, very small mass compared to protons and neutrons.
-
Atomic number = number of protons.
-
Mass number = protons + neutrons.
Why Atomic Structure Matters
Understanding atomic structure helps explain:
-
Chemical reactions
-
Bonding between atoms
-
Properties of elements in the periodic table
If you'd like, I can also give an extended explanation, diagrams, or multiple-choice questions for practice!
Here’s a brief introduction to atomic structure:
Atomic Structure – A Quick Overview
All matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms. An atom is the smallest unit of an element that still retains the element’s chemical properties. Although extremely small, atoms have an internal structure made of even smaller particles.
Main Parts of an Atom
-
Nucleus
-
Located at the center of the atom.
-
Contains protons (positively charged) and neutrons (neutral).
-
Almost all the atom’s mass is concentrated here.
-
-
Electrons
-
Negatively charged particles that move around the nucleus.
-
Arranged in energy levels or shells.
-
Their arrangement determines how atoms interact and bond.
-
Key Points
-
Protons: Positive charge, mass ≈ 1 atomic mass unit (amu).
-
Neutrons: No charge, mass ≈ 1 amu.
-
Electrons: Negative charge, very small mass compared to protons and neutrons.
-
Atomic number = number of protons.
-
Mass number = protons + neutrons.
Why Atomic Structure Matters
Understanding atomic structure helps explain:
-
Chemical reactions
-
Bonding between atoms
-
Properties of elements in the periodic table
Atomic Structure – A Quick Overview
All matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms. An atom is the smallest unit of an element that still retains the element’s chemical properties. Although extremely small, atoms have an internal structure made of even smaller particles.
Main Parts of an Atom
-
Nucleus
-
Located at the center of the atom.
-
Contains protons (positively charged) and neutrons (neutral).
-
Almost all the atom’s mass is concentrated here.
-
-
Electrons
-
Negatively charged particles that move around the nucleus.
-
Arranged in energy levels or shells.
-
Their arrangement determines how atoms interact and bond.
-
Key Points
-
Protons: Positive charge, mass ≈ 1 atomic mass unit (amu).
-
Neutrons: No charge, mass ≈ 1 amu.
-
Electrons: Negative charge, very small mass compared to protons and neutrons.
-
Atomic number = number of protons.
-
Mass number = protons + neutrons.
Why Atomic Structure Matters
Understanding atomic structure helps explain:
-
Chemical reactions
-
Bonding between atoms
-
Properties of elements in the periodic table
If you'd like, I can also give an extended explanation, diagrams, or multiple-choice questions for practice!
Here’s a brief introduction to atomic structure:
Atomic Structure – A Quick Overview
All matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms. An atom is the smallest unit of an element that still retains the element’s chemical properties. Although extremely small, atoms have an internal structure made of even smaller particles.
Main Parts of an Atom
-
Nucleus
-
Located at the center of the atom.
-
Contains protons (positively charged) and neutrons (neutral).
-
Almost all the atom’s mass is concentrated here.
-
-
Electrons
-
Negatively charged particles that move around the nucleus.
-
Arranged in energy levels or shells.
-
Their arrangement determines how atoms interact and bond.
-
Key Points
-
Protons: Positive charge, mass ≈ 1 atomic mass unit (amu).
-
Neutrons: No charge, mass ≈ 1 amu.
-
Electrons: Negative charge, very small mass compared to protons and neutrons.
-
Atomic number = number of protons.
-
Mass number = protons + neutrons.
Why Atomic Structure Matters
Understanding atomic structure helps explain:
-
Chemical reactions
-
Bonding between atoms
-
Properties of elements in the periodic tabl
Electron
o
/ \
o ------------------- o
Electron Shell (2nd shell)
(Nucleus)
+p n° +p
\ n° /
\ /
--------
Protons & Neutrons
o ------------------- o
Electron Shell (1st shell)
o o
Electrons
Key:
-
p⁺ = proton (positive charge)
-
n° = neutron (neutral)
-
o = electron (negative charge)
-
Circles = electron shells