History of the atom:

Major discoveries of the atom were accomplished by multiple scientists. Over time
models of the atom have been changed to reflect these discoveries.

We simulated Rutherfords experiment with marbles. You should be familiar with

the results of his atom.
You should be able to compare and identify the discoveries of each subatomic part.
Parts of the Atom
An atom is made of three subatomic parts.
Subato
mic unit

+1

Atom
ic
mass
1

Neutron

Electron

-1

Proton

Char
ge

The protons and neutrons are much larger then electrons.

These are found in the nucleus and account for the
atomic mass.
The electrons are moving around the nucleus.
In a neutral atom protons are equal to electrons and can
be identified by atomic number.

Isotopes:
An isotope is a variation of an element where the only difference is the number of
neutrons.
Isotopes can be written as C-12, 12C, or Carbon 12 for example. In these scenarios
only the atomic mass is written because the atomic number is the same for all
isotopes of an element and can be found in the periodic table.
The average atomic mass of an isotope is calculated by averaging the mass of
the isotopes and using the percent abundance.
Average atomic mass = (mass of isotope1 relative abundance1) + (mass of
isotope2 relative abundance2) +

Problem #1: Carbon

mass number
12
13

exact weight
12.000000
13.003355

percent abundance
98.90
1.10

Step 1- convert percent abundance to decimal. Divide percent by 100

Step 2: multiple isotope atomic mass x percent abundance for each isotope
Step 3: add each isotope mass together
Quick check. Your answer must always be between the lowest isotope mass and
highest one
-

The average mass should be closest to the isotope with the highest
% abundance

Electrons
Electrons are in constant motion aroun the nucleus. The current atomic model
states electrons are in a electron cloud and are moving randomly within energy
levels or orbitals.
There are 7 orbitals total. Electrons in Orbitals closer to the nucleus have less
energy.

Bohrs model is used to diagram electron position

Bright line spectra

Electrons can absorb energy and move into higher energy
levels temporarily. When the move back to lower (more
stable) energy levels the release the energy. This energy release can be seen as
light in certain circumstances.

Each element has a unique pattern of light emission.

Electron Configuration
Electrons fill energy levels based on 2 basic rules
1. Lowest energy levels are filled 1st
2. Each energy level has a maximum number of electrons
Electron configuration can be found in the periodic table.
These configurations represent electrons in the ground state
(lowest energy level).

Orbit
al
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Max
e2
8
8
18
18
32
32

Valence Electrons: Electrons found in the outer energy level of an element

Oxygen has an atomic number 0f 8, 8 electrons, and an electron configuration of
2-6.
Oxygen has 6 valence electrons.
Valence electrons help determine the chemical properties of an element.