Fundamentals of Atomic Structure and Periodic Trends

📋 Course Outline

1. Atomic theory and models
2. Subatomic particles and isotopes
3. Electron configuration and shells
4. Ionization energy trends
5. Periodic table blocks
6. Configuration exceptions and noble gas notation
7. Ions, free radicals and periodic trends

📖 1. Atomic theory and models

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

• Atomos: Atoms are defined as indivisible particles proposed by Democritus for matter’s basic units.
• Dalton’s atomic theory: Dalton’s theory says elements have identical atoms, different elements have different atoms, and atoms combine in whole-number ratios.
• Thomson’s atomic model: Thomson’s model treats the atom as containing sub-atomic particles, implying the atom is divisible.
• Rutherford’s nuclear model: Rutherford’s model explains the atom as mostly empty space with a tiny dense positive nucleus.
• Bohr’s atomic model: Bohr’s model states electrons occupy fixed energy levels and can change levels by emitting or absorbing energy.

📝 Essential Points