Can someone please describe the structure of an atom?

Answer 1

With pictures and explanation, check this out.


http://www.chem4kids.com/files/atom_structure.html

Answer 2

Simply put, atoms are kinda like an apple. The apple has a core, that would be the Nucleus in an atom. Inside the core of the apple, are seeds. These seeds could be an example of protons (and in MOST cases, neutrons also). For every proton (+), there is an Electon (e-) that circles the core, that contains the protons, and neutrons. The heavier the gas, or metal, the more protons, electron, and neutrons, that an atom has.

Answer 3

X gave a great link.... an atom consists of three subatomic particles. THe nucleus is made up of neutrons (neutral charge) and protons (positive charge). Electrons orbit the nucleus in orbitals and have a negative charge.

Answer 4

Fundamental Subatomic Particles
Particle Symbol Charge Mass
electron e- -1 0.0005486 amu
proton p+ +1 1.007276 amu
neutron no 0 1.008665 amu

The number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom can be determined from a set of simple rules.

* The number of protons in the nucleus of the atom is equal to the atomic number (Z).
* The number of electrons in a neutral atom is equal to the number of protons.
* The mass number of the atom (M) is equal to the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
* The number of neutrons is equal to the difference between the mass number of the atom (M) and the atomic number (Z).



Matter has mass and takes up space. Atoms are basic building blocks of matter, and cannot be chemically subdivided by ordinary means.

The word atom is derived from the Greek word atom which means indivisible. The Greeks concluded that matter could be broken down into particles to small to be seen. These particles were called atoms

Atoms are composed of three type of particles: protons, neutrons, and electron. Protons and neutrons are responsible for most of the atomic mass e.g in a 150 person 149 lbs, 15 oz are protons and neutrons while only 1 oz. is electrons. The mass of an electron is very small (9.108 X 10-28 grams).

Both the protons and neutrons reside in the nucleus. Protons have a postive (+) charge, neutrons have no charge --they are neutral. Electrons reside in orbitals around the nucleus. They have a negative charge (-).

It is the number of protons that determines the atomic number, e.g., H = 1. The number of protons in an element is constant (e.g., H=1, Ur=92) but neutron number may vary, so mass number (protons + neutrons) may vary.

The same element may contain varying numbers of neutrons; these forms of an element are called isotopes. The chemical properties of isotopes are the same, although the physical properties of some isotopes may be different. Some isotopes are radioactive-meaning they "radiate" energy as they decay to a more stable form, perhaps another element half-life: time required for half of the atoms of an element to decay into stable form. Another example is oxygen, with atomic number of 8 can have 8, 9, or 10 neutrons.

Historical Models of the atom

BOHR MODEL

Bohr model shows electrons circling the nucleus at different levels or orbitals much like planets circle the sun. Electrons move from one energy state to another but can only exist aft defineite energy levels. The energy absorbed or released when electrons change states is in the form of electromagnetic radiation.

THE WAVE MODEL AND QUANTUM THEORY

The Bohr model was only able to explain the very simplest atoms, like hydrogen. Today's modern day theory is based on mathematics and the properties of waves. The wave model forms the basis for the Quantum Theory

. This theory gives the probability of locating electrons in a particular location, unlike assuming electrons orbit the nucleus as in the Bohr model.

How are electrons organized around the nucleus?

All atoms would like to attain electron configurations like noble gases. That is, have completed outer shells. Atoms can form stable electron configurations like noble gases

by:

1. losing electrons
2. sharing electrons
3. gaining electrons.

For a stable configuration each atom must fill its outer energy level. In the case of noble gases that means eight electrons in the last shell (with the exception of He which has two electrons).

Atoms that have 1, 2 or 3 electrons in their outer levels will tend to lose them in interactions with atoms that have 5, 6 or 7 electrons in their outer levels. Atoms that have 5, 6 or 7 electrons in their outer levels will tend to gain electrons from atoms with 1, 2 or 3 electrons in their outer levels. Atoms that have 4 electrons in the outer most energy level will tend neither to totally lose nor totally gain electrons during interactions.

Answer 5

A bunch of tiny little balls orbiting around some slightly bigger balls that are all stuck together.

Answer 6

I know its in a shape of a twisted ladder.