Atomic structure
Subject classification: this is a
Atomic theory physics resource.
An Atom is a small part of an element that takes part in chemical reactions. It is made up of three
subatomic structures called Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons.
Subatomic structures:
__________________________________
Particle: Charge: Mass:
Proton +1 1 *u
Neutron 0 1 *u
Electron -1 1 / 1836*u
Positron +1. 1 / 1836*u
The Nucleus, in the center of the atom, consists of protons and neutrons. Orbiting around the nucleus are
the electrons.
Atomic Structure
The nucleus, in the center of an atom, consists of protons
and neutrons. Orbiting around the nucleus are the electrons.
Each unique element has an Atomic Number equal to the
number of protons it contains. There are 94 naturally
occurring elements (1-94) and others which have been
artificially created (95+..) Each element has an Atomic
Weight for the most commonly found isotope. Atomic
Weight = number of protons + number of neutrons; see: The
Periodic table. In a stable uncharged atom the number of
electrons will equal the number of protons. If the number of
electrons is changed the atom will become ionized and gain
either a positive (fewer electrons) or negative (greater Model of a Lithium atom
electrons) charge.
Isotopes
The same element can exist in different forms, each form having the same atomic number, but different
mass numbers. These forms are called isotopes. Isotopes that cannot decay during a defined period are
called stable isotopes. And isotopes that can decay during a defined period are called unstable (or
radioactive) isotopes. For example :
1
2
3
1H
1H
1H
Protium.
Deuterium.
Tritium.
Tritium is an unstable isotope of hydrogen.
In accordance with the Bohr Model, electrons are considered to move around the nucleus in fixed shells
(orbits), at various energy levels. These levels may be designated K L M N shells (or 1 2 3 4 orbits). The
first level contains only 2 electrons. The second level can hold 6 electrons. The number of maximum
electrons that can occupy one shell is defined by the formula of 2nî or 2n square, where n is the number
of the shell.
When the electrons are excited, they can transfer between the shells. As we move away from the nucleus,
the energy levels increase. Electrons have their own energy and the energy increases with increasing the n
value or orbit.
Excited state of atom
The configuration of electrons occupying the least amount of space (in the Bohr model) is called the
ground state. But when electrons are excited (by getting electricity, heat), they jump to a higher level.
This condition of the atom is called an excited state. When the electrons return to the ground state they
give off energy.
Levels and sublevels
All energy levels contain sublevels known as s p d f.
S sub level can contain 2 electrons. (One pair.)
P can contain 6 electrons. (Three pairs.)
D can contain 10 electrons. (Five pairs.)
F can contain 14 electrons. (Seven pairs.)
The first shell has only the sublevel s and therefore has only 2 electrons The second shell has both the
sublevel s & p and can hold 8 electrons The third shell has the sublevel s,p & d and can hold 18 electrons
The fourth and the last shell has the sublevel s,p,d & f and can hold 32 electrons.
Orbital
The regions around a nucleus where the probability of finding an electron of a particular
energy level is highest are called orbitals.
An Orbital can hold only two electrons. They are spinning opposite ways. They are called
orbital pairs. 'n' represents principal quantum number or simply the number of the shell. So
nth shell contains n^2 number of orbitals hence 2*n^2 number of electrons.
The shape of orbital depends on the sublevel.
Valence
Valence electrons revolve in valence shells.
Electrons that can enter into a reaction are only at the last level.
These electrons are called valence electrons. The maximum number
of valence electrons is 8. The Valence determines how many electrons the atom has to borrow or lend. All
parts of atoms except the last orbit are called a kernel.
The electron dot formula represents the valence electrons.
Examples: . .
. N . The dotted formula of the nitrogen.
.
Ionization energy
Ionization energy is the amount of energy needed to remove or add an electron from a gaseous atom or
ion. Ionization energy depends on the number of protons in the nucleus and the shielding (screening) of
the inner electrons.
See also
Radioactivity
Structure of The Atom ([Link]
try/)
1. "The Three Isotopes of Hydrogen - Video & Lesson Transcript | [Link]". [Link].
Retrieved 2018-09-18.
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