Science atomic structure

• What is the definition of an atom?

  Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter.
• Why are atoms considered the smallest unit of an element?

  Because they retain the properties of that element.
• How small is a single atom of hydrogen?

  A single atom of hydrogen is about $5 \times 10^{-11}$ meters in diameter.
• What are the key points about atoms?

  - Atoms make up all matter - They are extremely small - Each element has its own unique type of atom
• How can we think of an atom in simpler terms?

  An atom is like a tiny Lego brick of nature that builds everything around us.
• What are the three main subatomic particles that make up atoms?

  Protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• Where are protons and neutrons located in an atom?

  Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus of the atom.
• What is the role of electrons in an atom?

  Electrons orbit around the nucleus in electron shells.
• How does the number of subatomic particles affect an atom's properties?

  The number of protons, neutrons, and electrons determines the atom's properties.
• What is the structure of an atom?

  1. **Nucleus**: - Contains protons (positive charge) and neutrons (neutral) - Very small but contains most of the atom's mass 2. Electron shells: - Contains electrons (negative charge) - Electrons orbit in specific energy levels or shells
• In the stadium analogy for an atom, what does the nucleus represent?

  The nucleus represents the pitch (playing field) in the center of the stadium.
• What is the atomic number of an atom?

  The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
• How does the mass number differ from the atomic number?

  The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
• If an atom has 8 protons and 8 neutrons, what is its atomic number and mass number?

  Atomic number: 8, Mass number: 16.
• What are isotopes?


  Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
• What is the significance of isotopes having the same atomic number?

  All isotopes of an element have the same number of protons.
• How do isotopes differ in their physical properties?

  Isotopes may have different radioactive properties.
• If two atoms both have 8 protons but one has 8 neutrons and the other has 10 neutrons, are they isotopes of the same element?

  Yes, they are isotopes of the same element.
• What are the key points about isotopes?

  - Same atomic number (same number of protons) - Different mass numbers (different numbers of neutrons) - Same chemical properties - Different physical properties