1. Atomic Structure

2. Why are atoms and molecules referred to as the building blocks of matter?
If you break them apart you no longer have an element or compound.
Examples:
If you break apart an atom of gold you no longer have gold.
If you break apart a molecule of water it isn’t water any more.

3. How big are atoms? Really Small About 10-10 meter across
Atoms are made up of even smaller components referred to as subatomic particles

4. What is an atom made of? Neutrons Neutral Charge Protons
Positive Charge (+)
Electrons
Very small compared to protons and neutrons
Negative Charge (-)

5. How are the particles arranged in the atom?
Protons & Neutrons – Cluster in the nucleus
Electrons – Move around outside the nucleus in energy levels that make up an electron cloud (shield).
Energy levels are broken down into sublevels which hold a specific numbers of orbitals.
An orbital is the region within an atom that an electron will most likely occupy.
See the video clip Energy Levels, Sublevels & Orbitals

6. How are atoms held together?
Atoms are held together by electro static forces and the strong nuclear force to form molecules.

7. The End