Structure of the Atom

Front

What is the structure of an atom?

Back

An atom consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in orbitals.

Front

What are protons?

Back

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons determines the atomic number of an element.

Front

What are neutrons?

Back

Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They contribute to the atomic mass but do not affect the charge.

Front

What are electrons?

Back

Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. They are involved in chemical bonding.

Front

What is the atomic number?

Back

The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity.

Front

How do protons and electrons relate in a neutral atom?

Back

In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, balancing the overall charge.

Front

What is the mass number of an atom?

Back

The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

Isotopes are variants of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Front

What is the role of the nucleus in an atom?

Back

The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, and it is the central part of the atom that holds most of its mass.

Front

What is the electron cloud?

Back

The electron cloud is the region around the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found, represented by orbitals.