elements

Parts of the atom:

Electrons: - chargeNeutron: no charge Protons: + chargeNote that we now use the electron cloud model of the atom. This means that atoms don't orbit in set "orbitals," but rather they fly chaotically at fantastic speeds around the nucleus (meaning "center") of the atom.

The nucleus of an atom consists of densely packed neutrons and protons.

Reading the Periodic Table:

In a NEUTRAL atom:Atomic number: protonsAtomic Mass: Protons + NeutronsTo figure out the number of neutrons you must subtract the atomic number (# protons) from the atomic mass number (#of neutrons AND protons).

Please note: Atomic masses are an average of the different variations of atoms (we will talk about these variations much later). On an individual atom, the answer should be rounded because we cannot have half a neutron, proton, or electron!

Still confused about the structure of an atom?

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Watch the video below, pause where you get confused and re-watch. Bring in your questions!

"Free Space" is not just a spot on your monopoly board!

Resource Credit: Khan academy found on youtube.com,

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