Fundamentals of Atomic Structure

📋 Course Outline

1. Atom structure
2. Subatomic particles
3. Particle charges
4. Electron shells
5. Periodic table layout
6. Group properties
7. Period properties
8. Metals and non-metals
9. Nuclear mass calculation

📖 1. Atom structure

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

• Protons: Subatomic particles located in the nucleus, carrying a positive charge, and contributing significantly to the atom's mass.
• Neutrons: Subatomic particles found in the nucleus, with no electric charge (neutral), and mainly responsible for the atom's mass alongside protons.
• Electrons: Subatomic particles that orbit around the nucleus in specific regions called shells, and carry a negative charge.

📝 Essential Points

• Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus, which accounts for most of the atom's mass. The nucleus is dense and positively charged due to protons.
• Electrons orbit the nucleus in regions called electron shells, following a pattern of 2, 8, 8... electrons per shell.
• The number of protons in the nucleus determines the element's atomic number, while neutrons are calculated by subtracting protons from the mass number.
• Electrons are equal in number to protons in a neutral atom, balancing the overall charge.
• The nucleus's composition influences the atom's mass, but electrons determine chemical behavior and bonding.