ATOMIC STRUCTURE &

THE PERIODIC TABLE

Theory Acceptance

- There must be a fit between evidence and theoretical constructs

- The data must be reliable and accurate
- There must be a concensus about the theory within the scientific
community
- The experiments done must be replicated
Dalton Atomic Theory
- Matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms which cannot be created or
destroyed or split
- All atoms of the same element are identical, they have the same mass and
same chemical properties. They differ from the atoms of all other elements
(different element have different atoms).
- A chemical reaction consists of rearranging the atoms from one combination
into another
MODIFICATION OF DALTON’S THEORY
- Some elements have atoms that are different in terms of the number of
neutrons (Isotopes)
- Atoms of some elements can split (uranium)
STRUCTURE OF ATOM STRUCTURE

PARTICLES RELATIVE MASS RELATIVE LOCATION REACTION IN

CHARGE ELECTRIC FIELD

PROTONS 1 +1 INSIDE THE ATTRACTED TO

NUCLEUS THE NEGATIVE
CHARGE

NEUTRONS 1 0 INSIDE THE NOT ATTRACTED

NUCLEUS

ELECTRONS 1/1840 -1 ON ELECTRON ATTRACTED TO

SHELLS THE POSITIVE
CHARGE
DEFINITION OF TERMS
MASS NUMBER - total number of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus of
an atom

ISOTOPES - atoms of the same element having the same number of protons but
different number of neutrons.

RELATIVE ATOMIC MASS - average mass of the atom (natural abundance of the
elements isotopes) compared to one twelfth the mass of a carbon atom

RELATIVE ISOTOPIC MASS - this is the mass of one atom of the isotope
compared to one twelfth of the mass of carbon (C-12)
RADIOACTIVITY
- When an atom splits the nucleus divides and the protons and neutrons
present form two nuclei
- The electrons present divide themselves between the two nuclei.
- The process is called radioactive decay and any element that undergoes this
process is said to be radioactive.
- The energy given off and the particles emitted are called radioactivity
Alpha Decay

U
Atomic # 92
Mass # 238
Undergoes alpha decay --- what is the result?
Th
Atomic # 90
Mass # 234
Beta Decay

Th
Atomic # 90
Mass #234
Undergoes Beta decay --- what is the result?
Pa - Protactinum
Atomic # 91
Mass # 234
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NUCLEAR AND CHEMICAL
REACTIONS
- In the chemical reactions it is outer portion of the atom that is
affected while for nuclear it involves the nucleus
- In chemical reactions electrons are rearranged by transfer or
sharing while in nuclear reactions one element is converted to a
totally different element
- The energy changes in a nuclear reaction is far greater than
those in a chemical reaction.