Atomic Structure

Atomic Structure

1. The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons, making up most of the mass of an atom. It takes up virtually no space, because it's tiny.

   • The number of protons in the nucleus is called the atomic number/proton number. The total number of protons and neutrons is the mass number/nucleon number.
     • The electrons are negatively charged and really small, moving around the outside of the atom. Their paths take up a lot of space.
       • Atoms are neutral, so no. of protons=no. of electrons

2. Isotopes

   • Atoms of an element with the same no. of protons, but a different no. of neutrons

3. Ions

   • Adding/removing electrons is ionisation
     • Adding electrons makes negative ions, removing electrons, positive ions
   • Ions ar charged particles