CHEMISTRY XI

Chapter 2: Atomic Structure

Introduction to Atoms
Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter.
They are composed of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, while electrons orbit around the
nucleus.

Atomic Number and Mass Number:

Atomic Number (Z): Represents the number of protons in an atom.

Mass Number (A): Represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom.
Isotopes: Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Electron
Discovery: Discovered by J.J.THOMSON in 1897 through his experiments with cathode
rays.
Properties:
Negatively charged subatomic particle.
It has a mass of approximately 9.11×10−3kg.
It orbits around the nucleus of an atom.
Its charge is equal in magnitude to that of a proton but opposite in sign
(−1.6×10−19coulombs).

Behavior:
Electrons are involved in chemical bonding and determine the reactivity of atoms.
They occupy specific energy levels or shells around the nucleus according to the
Bohr model.
Electrons can absorb or emit energy in discrete amounts (quantum) when they
transition between energy levels.

Proton
Discovery: Discovered by GOLDSTEIN in 1886 through his gold foil experiment.
Properties:
Positively charged subatomic particle.
Found in the nucleus of an atom.
Its mass is approximately equal to that of a neutron (1.67×10−27kg).
It has a charge of +1.6×10−19coulombs.

Role:
Protons determine the identity of an element. The number of protons in an atom
defines its atomic number.
They contribute to the overall positive charge of the nucleus, balancing the
negative charge of electrons.

Neutron
Discovery: Discovered by JAMES CHADWICK in 1932 through experiments involving
beryllium and alpha particles.
Properties:
Electrically neutral subatomic particle.
Found in the nucleus alongside protons.
Similar in mass to protons (1.67×10−27kg).
It has no net electrical charge.

FUNCTIONS:
Neutrons of all elements have same nature and mass.
They are bounded with each other and protons by the nuclear charge.
They are not deflected by electric or magnetic fields.
The number of neutrons is determined by subtracting the number of protons from the
mass number.

Number of neutrons= Mass number _ Number of protons.