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Atomic Structure
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Atoms | the building blocks of all matter. They are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. |
Element | a pure substance-made up of only one type of atom |
Nucleus | the center of the atom and contains protons and neutrons, this is where the mass of the atom is located |
Proton | particles that have a positive (+) charge, located in the nucleus |
Neutron | particles that have no charge, they are neutral, located in the nucleus |
Electron | particles that have a negative charge, located outside of the nucleus and travels around the nucleus in shells or orbitals |
Atomic Number | tells you the number of protons in the nucleus and the number of electrons in the electrons cloud. It is always located at the top of the periodic square. |
Atomic Mass | tells you the number of protons and neutrons that are in the nucleus of the atom |
Electron Shells or Energy Levels | this is the area in which electrons travel at high rates of speed, each shell or level has a certain number of electrons that it can hold |
How do you find the number of protons and electrons in an atom? | look at the atomic number |
How do you find the number of neutrons in an atoms? | to find the number of neutrons in an atom you MUST subtract the atomic number FROM the atomic mass |