Atomic Structure Fundamentals
This page introduces the basic components of atoms and their properties. It covers the structure of atoms, including protons, neutrons, and electrons, as well as the concept of ions and isotopes.
Definition: An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.
The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons, while electrons orbit in shells around the nucleus.
Vocabulary:
- Proton: Positively charged particle in the nucleus
- Neutron: Neutral particle in the nucleus
- Electron: Negatively charged particle orbiting the nucleus
Atoms typically have equal numbers of protons and electrons, resulting in a neutral charge. When the number of protons and electrons is unequal, the atom becomes an ion.
Example: A fluorine atom F has 9 protons and 9 electrons, making it neutral. If it gains an electron, it becomes a negatively charged fluoride ion F−.
The page also introduces the concept of isotopes, which are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
Highlight: Isotopes have the same atomic number numberofprotons but different mass numbers totalprotonsandneutrons.
This information forms the foundation for understanding more complex atomic concepts and is crucial for students studying atomic structure notes for GCSE or preparing for higher-level chemistry courses.