Chemistry
Study of matter, its properties, and the changes it undergoes.
Advanced Topics
Atomic Structure
Peeking Inside the Atom
Atoms are made up of even smaller particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons.
- Protons have a positive charge and are found in the atom's center, called the nucleus.
- Neutrons have no charge (they're neutral) and are also in the nucleus.
- Electrons are negatively charged and whiz around the nucleus in regions called electron shells.
The number of protons determines what element an atom is. For example, hydrogen has 1 proton, while oxygen has 8.
Atomic Number and Mass Number
- Atomic number: Number of protons in an atom.
- Mass number: Number of protons plus neutrons.
Why Does the Structure Matter?
The arrangement of electrons affects how atoms join together to form molecules. The atomic structure explains why elements react in certain ways and helps us create new materials.
Key Formula
\[Atomic Number = Number\ of\ Protons\]
Examples
Carbon atoms have 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons.
Helium's full outer shell makes it very stable and unreactive.
In a Nutshell
Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and their arrangement explains chemical behavior.