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4,813
•
8 Feb 2026
•
Keira Bains
@keirakaurr
Atomic Structure and Particles: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide provides... Show more
This section explores the visual representation of atomic structure and the use of nuclear symbols to convey important information about elements.
A typical structure of atom diagram includes:
Highlight: The electron shells are not to scale in most diagrams, as they would be much larger relative to the nucleus in reality.
Nuclear symbols provide a concise way to represent the composition of an atom's nucleus.
Definition: A nuclear symbol is a shorthand notation that shows the number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
The format of a nuclear symbol is:
A
X
Z
Where:
Example: The nuclear symbol for sodium is:
23
Na
11
This symbol indicates that sodium has 11 protons and 12 neutrons (23 - 11 = 12).
Grasping the concepts of atomic structure is crucial for students in various science classes, from Class 7 through Class 10 and beyond. It forms the foundation for understanding chemical reactions, periodic trends, and more advanced topics in chemistry and physics.
Highlight: Knowledge of atomic structure is essential for comprehending how elements combine to form compounds and how chemical reactions occur.
By mastering these concepts, students will be well-prepared to tackle more complex topics in chemistry and physics, making this guide an invaluable resource for those studying atomic structure KS3 or preparing for higher-level courses.
Atoms are the building blocks of all matter, including living things. They are incredibly small, beyond the reach of even powerful microscopes. Each atom is composed of three main types of particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Definition: An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.
The nucleus is the dense central core of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.
Highlight: The nucleus contains nearly all of the atom's mass and has a positive charge due to the presence of protons.
Vocabulary: Protons are subatomic particles with a positive electric charge.
Example: The term "neutron" comes from "neutral," reflecting its lack of electric charge.
Highlight: Electrons are much smaller than protons and neutrons but occupy a large space around the nucleus.
In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, resulting in an overall neutral charge.
Definition: The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus.
To determine the number of neutrons in an atom:
Example: For sodium (Na) with mass number 23 and atomic number 11, the number of neutrons is 23 - 11 = 12.
Ions are atoms or groups of atoms that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net electric charge.
Definition: An ion is an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
Example: An ion with a charge of -2 has two more electrons than protons.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Keira Bains
@keirakaurr
Atomic Structure and Particles: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide provides an in-depth look at atomic structure, covering the fundamental particles that make up atoms, their properties, and how they interact. It explores the concept of atomic charge, the structure... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This section explores the visual representation of atomic structure and the use of nuclear symbols to convey important information about elements.
A typical structure of atom diagram includes:
Highlight: The electron shells are not to scale in most diagrams, as they would be much larger relative to the nucleus in reality.
Nuclear symbols provide a concise way to represent the composition of an atom's nucleus.
Definition: A nuclear symbol is a shorthand notation that shows the number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
The format of a nuclear symbol is:
English Literature
Sociology A
X
Z
Where:
Example: The nuclear symbol for sodium is:
23
Na
11
This symbol indicates that sodium has 11 protons and 12 neutrons (23 - 11 = 12).
Grasping the concepts of atomic structure is crucial for students in various science classes, from Class 7 through Class 10 and beyond. It forms the foundation for understanding chemical reactions, periodic trends, and more advanced topics in chemistry and physics.
Highlight: Knowledge of atomic structure is essential for comprehending how elements combine to form compounds and how chemical reactions occur.
By mastering these concepts, students will be well-prepared to tackle more complex topics in chemistry and physics, making this guide an invaluable resource for those studying atomic structure KS3 or preparing for higher-level courses.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Atoms are the building blocks of all matter, including living things. They are incredibly small, beyond the reach of even powerful microscopes. Each atom is composed of three main types of particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Definition: An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.
The nucleus is the dense central core of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.
Highlight: The nucleus contains nearly all of the atom's mass and has a positive charge due to the presence of protons.
Vocabulary: Protons are subatomic particles with a positive electric charge.
Example: The term "neutron" comes from "neutral," reflecting its lack of electric charge.
Highlight: Electrons are much smaller than protons and neutrons but occupy a large space around the nucleus.
In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, resulting in an overall neutral charge.
Definition: The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus.
To determine the number of neutrons in an atom:
Example: For sodium (Na) with mass number 23 and atomic number 11, the number of neutrons is 23 - 11 = 12.
Ions are atoms or groups of atoms that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net electric charge.
Definition: An ion is an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
Example: An ion with a charge of -2 has two more electrons than protons.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the fundamental concepts of atoms, ions, isotopes, and their properties. This summary covers atomic structure, the formation of ions, the distinction between elements, compounds, and mixtures, and the historical development of atomic theory. Ideal for GCSE Chemistry students.
ChemistryExplore the fundamental concepts of atomic structure and ion formation in this GCSE chemistry summary. Learn about protons, neutrons, electrons, and how atoms become ions through the loss or gain of electrons. Ideal for students seeking clarity on cations and the balance of charges within atoms.
ChemistryExplore the fundamentals of atomic structure, including subatomic particles, atomic mass, and the distinction between elements, compounds, and mixtures. This summary covers key concepts such as protons, neutrons, electrons, and how they form molecules and compounds. Ideal for students studying chemistry.
ChemistryExplore the fundamentals of atomic structure, including subatomic particles, electron configurations, and the organization of the periodic table. This summary covers key concepts such as atomic bonding, states of matter, and the distinction between elements, compounds, and mixtures. Ideal for students studying Chemistry and Biology.
BiologyExplore the fundamental concepts of elements, isotopes, and relative atomic mass in this detailed summary. Learn how isotopes differ, the significance of atomic mass units (amu), and how to calculate the relative atomic mass using real examples like chlorine. Ideal for chemistry students seeking clarity on these essential topics.
ChemistryExplore the fundamentals of atomic structure and bonding, including atomic numbers, mass numbers, ionic and covalent bonds, and the periodic table. This summary covers key concepts essential for understanding chemical properties and compound formation. Ideal for chemistry students preparing for exams.
ChemistryApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user