1.1.1

Atomic Model

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Atomic Model - Example

An atom has a small, positively-charged nucleus surrounded by orbiting negatively-charged electrons.

Size of Atoms vs Nucleus

Atoms have a radius of about 1 × 10-10 metres. However, the nucleus of atoms are even smaller.

Atoms

  • If an atom was the size of Wembley Stadium, then...

Nucleus

  • ...its nucleus would be the size of a garden pea!

The Charges and Masses of Sub-Atomic Particles

The 3 different sub-atomic particles (protons, neutrons and electrons) have different relative charges and masses. Atoms have no overall charge (are neutral). In an atom, these charges all cancel each other out.

Illustrative background for ProtonsIllustrative background for Protons ?? "content

Protons

  • Protons have a relative charge of +1.
    • In SI units, this is +1.60 × 10-19C.
  • They are found in the nucleus.
  • An element’s atomic number is the number of protons it possesses.
    • All atoms of the same element have the same number of protons.
  • Protons have a relative atomic mass of 1.
    • In SI units, this is 1.67 × 10-27kg.
Illustrative background for ElectronsIllustrative background for Electrons ?? "content

Electrons

  • Electrons have a relative charge of -1.
    • In SI units, this is -1.60 × 10-19C.
  • They are found in fixed orbits around the nucleus.
  • In any atom, the total number of negative electrons equals the number of positive protons, meaning atoms have no overall electric charge.
  • Electrons have a relative atomic mass of 1/2000.
    • In SI units, this is 9.11 × 10-31kg.
Illustrative background for NeutronsIllustrative background for Neutrons ?? "content

Neutrons

  • Neutrons have a relative charge of 0 - they are neutral.
  • Like protons, they are found in the nucleus.
  • Neutrons have a relative atomic mass of 1 (the same as a proton).

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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