Atomic Structure

Essential Question: What two particles are found in the nucleus of an atom?

Element Matter that is composed of one type of atom. Elements are abbreviated in scientific shorthand- either a letter or a pair of letters called chemical symbols. Example: Aluminum- Al ; COPPER- Cu; CARBON- C Note if an element has two letters the first letter is capitalized and the second letter is lower case.

ATOM SMALLEST UNIT OF MATTER THAT STILL HAS ALL OF THE PROPERTIES OF THE ELEMENT. ATOMS ARE MADE UP OF THREE PARTS: PROTONS, NEUTRONS, AND ELECTRONS. Protons- Positive Charge (+) Neutrons- neutral or No Charge Electrons- Negative Charge (-) Nucleus is located in the center of atom and consists of protons and neutrons; Electrons are found on the outside of the the nucleus.

Electron Cloud Model which shows electrons traveling in specific energy levels around a nucleus; electrons closest to nucleus have low energy, electrons farther away have high energy.

Electrons in Energy Levels Energy Level in Atom Max # of Electrons 1 2 8 3 18 4 32