Atoms and Elements

Atoms and Elements

1. Atoms have a small nucleus surrounded by electrons

   • The Nucleus
     • In the middle
     • Contains protons and neutrons
       • Protons are positively charged
       • Neutrons have no charge
     • Has a positive charge
     • Very small
   • The Electrons
     • Move around the nucleus
     • Negatively charged
     • Tiny, but cover a large space
     • Go round in shells, or orbitals
   • Number of protons = number of electrons
     • Atoms have no charge
     • Number of protons can't change
     • If the number of electrons change, it becomes an ion

2. Each element consists of one type of atom only

   • The number of protons decided which type of atom it is