Atom
Smallest particles that have the properties of an element
- each element contains only one type of atom
Structure of an atom
n = 1, closest to the nucleus, and of lowest energy
The further the energy level is from the nucleus, the higher its number (n) and higher its energy
Proton
Relative charge: 1+
Relative mass: 1
Location: nucleus
Neutron
Relative charge: 0
Relative mass: 1
Location: nucleus
Electron
Relative charge: 1-
Relative mass: 1/2000
Location: surrounding the nucleus
Atoms of the same element
Every atom of the same element has the same number of protons in its nucleus
- no. of protons in the nucleus gives the atom its identity
Atomic number (Z)
Number of protons in the nucleus of an atom
- tells you the electron configuration of an atom
Mass number (A)
Number of protons + number of neutrons in the nucleus of an atom
Mass of an atom
Number of neutrons
Mass number - atomic number
Neutral atom
Number of protons = number of electrons
- opposite charges of proton and electron cancel out, leaving atom electrically neutral with no overall charge
Isotopes
Atoms of the same element that have the same no. of protons in the nucleus but different no. of neutrons
- same atomic no. but different mass no.
Radioisotopes
Many isotopes are radioactive
Properties of isotopes
Mass spectrometer
Used to determine the relative atomic mass of an element from its isotopic composition
Steps of mass spectrometer
Mass spectrum
Shows relative abundance on y-axis and mass: charge ratio on x-axis
Relative abundance
Percentage of that isotope that occurs in nature
Isotopic mass
For singly-charged ions (Ne+) the mass: charge ratio values give mass no. of isotope detected (isotopic mass)
RAM equation
RAM = (abundance x mass)+(abundance x mass) / 100
Bohr model of the atom
Proposed by Niels Bohr, 1914
Sub-levels
Orbitals = regions of space where there is a high probability of finding an electron
Energy levels and sub-shells
Atomic orbital
Represents a region of space where there is a high probability of finding an electron
Four atomic orbitals: s, p, d or f s = 2 p = 6 d = 10 f = 14