Atoms and Elements

The Atomic Theory Difficult to identify objects that you can’t see. Democritus—400 b.c.—matter is made up of tiny particles Aristotle—matter is not made of particles Dalton’s Atomic Theory = all matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms.

Structure of an Atom 5 million atoms could be lined up on a period. Atoms are made up of even smaller particles called subatomic particles. Nucleus = the tiny center of an atom made of protons and neutrons Proton = subatomic particle with a positive (+) charge. Neutron = subatomic particles with no charge. Electron = subatomic particle with a negative (-) charge. Electrons make up the rest of the atom and surround the nucleus.

The Structure of an Atom Niels Bohr suggested a model of the structure of an atom in 1913. Electrons circle the nucleus in a paths called orbits or energy levels. Low-energy = orbit close to nucleus High-energy = orbit father away. Most of an atoms mass is in the nucleus; protons and neutrons have the same mass; electrons as about 1/2000 of a proton Proton and electron charges are the same strength More protons than electrons = positive charge. More electrons than protons = negative charge. Same number of protons and electrons = neutral atom.

Elements Element = a substance made up of only one kind of atom. Types of elements: Gold, Copper, Iron. Atom = smallest unit of an element that has all properties of that element. Every element has its own atomic number or the number of protons in one atom of that element. Only a few kinds of elements are in most matter Molecule = two or more atoms linked together. A pure state is when atoms are linked to other atoms of the same kind.

Metals Elements are classified by their properties. ¼ Non-metals; the rest are Metals Properties of metals luster, or shininess malleable ductile conduct or transfer electricity insulators Metals conduct heat conduct heat Non-pure elements are alloys. Other metals are pure elements