Lesson: Atoms
Elements are made up of one type of atom. Gold nuggets are made up of gold atoms. Gold nuggets A sheet of copper is made up of copper atoms. Sheet of copper
Remember, elements are listed on the Periodic Table. If a substance is listed on the Periodic Table, it is an element e.g. copper (Cu) and gold (Au). Can you name any other elements?
Part of the Periodic Table The Periodic Table tells us about the atoms that make up the elements. Part of the Periodic Table 2 He 10 Ne 18 Ar Some non-metals
Atoms are extremely small. Each full stop in your textbook contains more than 1000 million atoms.
Each atom is made up of smaller parts called sub-atomic particles. There are three types of sub-atomic particle: Protons Neutrons Electrons
A diagram of an atom nucleus electrons neutrons The size of the nucleus is large to make the diagram easier to draw and understand. In reality, the nucleus is much smaller relative to the size of the atom. protons
A diagram of an atom nucleus electrons neutrons protons
The three types of sub-atomic particles are found in different parts of an atom Protons are found in the nucleus. Neutrons are found in the nucleus. Electrons orbit around the nucleus.
A diagram of an atom nucleus electrons orbit in shells neutrons in the nucleus protons in the nucleus
The three types of sub-atomic particles have different masses Protons are 1 amu. Neutrons are 1 amu. Electrons are 1/1840 amu. amu = atomic mass unit
A diagram of an atom nucleus electrons orbit in shells 1/1840 amu neutrons 1 amu protons 1 amu
The three types of sub-atomic particles have different charges. Protons are positive. Neutrons are neutral. Electrons are negative.
A diagram of an atom nucleus electrons orbit on shells negative neutrons neutral protons positive
Review Questions 1. Label each part in the diagram. 2. What is the charge of each particle? A D B protons C
Question to think about! oxygen How do atoms fit together? hydrogen A water molecule containing two hydrogen atoms chemically combined to one oxygen atom. A water molecule containing two hydrogen atoms chemically combined to one oxygen atom.