Atomic structure

Atoms

What are atoms, parts of an atom, and models

What are atoms

Atoms are the building blocks of all matter.

Atoms come from the greek word “Atomos” meaning uncuttable or indivisible as they were thought to be the smallest unit in the universe.

Each atom has a unique set of Electrons, Protons, and Neutrons which define a specific element.

An atoms or elements identity is defined by the PROTONS

Subatomic Particle

The individual parts of an atom:

(proton, neutron, and electron)

Proton

The positively charged
subatomic particle of an atom.

Located in the nucleus.
Determines the identity of an
element.

Prefix “prot-” means primary.

Neutron

The subatomic particle of an atom with no charge.

Located in the nucleus.

Prefix “neut-” means neutral.

Nucleus

The very center of an atom which contains the protons and
neutrons of an atom.

The prefix “nuc-” means the
center.

Electron

The negatively charged subatomic particle of an atom.

Located within the orbital outside of a nucleus.

The prefix “electr-” means electric or
electricity.

Electrons are Negatively
charged particles which
orbit the nucleus.

Protons are Positively
charged particles which reside in the nucleus.

Neutrons have No Charge and reside in the nucleus.

Nucleus is the center of the atom where the Protons and Neutrons are located.

Element

Matter made up of one type of atom
which can not be broken into simpler
parts.

Determined by the number of
Protons.

Flavor of an atom.

118 different flavors on the Periodic
Table of Elements