Atomic structure
Atomic Structure
The Atomic Structure (pronounced: /əˈtɒmɪk ˈstrʌktʃər/) refers to the arrangement of subatomic particles within an atom. The concept of atomic structure is fundamental to the field of physics and chemistry.
Etymology
The term "Atomic Structure" is derived from the Greek word "atomos" meaning indivisible, and the Latin word "structura" meaning a fitting together, build.
Subatomic Particles
The atomic structure is composed of three main subatomic particles:
- Protons (pronounced: /ˈprəʊtɒn/): Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom.
- Neutrons (pronounced: /ˈnjuːtrɒn/): Neutral particles, i.e., they carry no charge, also located in the nucleus.
- Electrons (pronounced: /ɪˈlɛktrɒn/): Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in energy levels.
Atomic Number and Atomic Mass
The Atomic Number (pronounced: /əˈtɒmɪk ˈnʌmbər/) is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. It defines the chemical properties of the element and its place in the Periodic Table.
The Atomic Mass (pronounced: /əˈtɒmɪk mɑːs/) is the total mass of protons, neutrons, and electrons in a single atom when at rest.
Related Terms
- Isotope (pronounced: /ˈʌɪsətəʊp/): Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons.
- Ion (pronounced: /ˈʌɪɒn/): An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
- Molecule (pronounced: /ˈmɒlɪkjuːl/): A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction.
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