Atomic structure

CHA PT E R 2
 Elements & atoms

• Every substance in our world is made up from chemical elements.

• Every element has its own chemical symbol.
• Chemical elements contain only one type of atom.
Inside the atom – The structure of an atom
• Every atom has nearly all of its mass concentrated in a tiny region in the centre of
the atom called the nucleus.
• The nucleus is made up of particles called nucleons. There are two types of
nucleon: protons and neutrons.
• Outside the nucleus, particles called electrons move around in regions of space
called orbitals.
Experiments with subatomic particles
• We can deduce the electric charge of subatomic particles by showing how beams of
electrons, protons and neutrons behave in electric fields.
• In recent years, experiments have been carried out with beams of electrons,
protons and neutrons. The results of these experiments show that:
1. a proton beam is deflected away from a positively charged plate; as like charges
repel, the protons must have a positive charge
2. an electron beam is deflected towards a positively charged plate; as unlike
charges attract, the electrons must have a negative charge
3. a beam of neutrons is not deflected; this is because they are uncharged.
Masses and charges: a summary
Number of nucleons
• The nucleon number (A) is the number of protons plus neutrons in the
nucleus of an atom. This is also known as the mass number.

nucleon number = number of protons + number of neutrons

Isotopes -1-
• Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different nucleon (mass)
numbers.

• Isotopes of a particular element have the same chemical properties but

slightly different physical properties.

• We can write symbols for isotopes.

Isotopes -2-
• Isotopes can be radioactive or non-radioactive.

• Specific radioisotopes (radioactive isotopes) can be used to check for leaks

in oil or gas pipelines and to check the thickness of paper.

• They are also used in medicine to treat some types of cancer and to check
the activity of the thyroid gland in the throat.