I.

INTRODUCTION:
Some of the important properties of solid materials depend on geometrical atomic
arrangements, and also the interactions that exist among constituent atoms or
molecules (Callister, 2007). To fully understand any topic is to understand the basic
concepts undermining the topic of it. The discussion of fundamental and important
concepts will be tackled in this report, namely:

The Atomic Structure

Electron Configurations in Atoms
The Periodic Table
Various Types of Primary and Secondary Interatomic Bonds of a Solid

What importance does studying these concepts hold? Why do these concepts
need to be studied? According to Callister (2007), an important reason to have an
understanding of interatomic bonding in solids is that, in some instances, the type of
bond allows us to explain a materials properties.
By understanding the atomic structure with regard to the three fundamental
subatomic particles the electron, neutron and proton, and their nature and
arrangement will help in understanding the structure and behavior of atoms in general.
The electron configuration in atoms is important because it can help in predicting
chemical behavior (Purney, 2010). Additionally, Purney (2010), also said that, We can
predict whether two elements will react or not, and if they react, we can also predict
what kind of reaction we are likely to have, as well as how strong the reaction will be.
The periodic table is the most important chemistry reference there is. The reason
is that the periodic table organizes elements according to similar properties so you can
tell the characteristics of an element just by looking at its position on the table,
according to Helmenstine (n.d.).
Lastly, interatomic bonding is important because by knowing how, what and why
atoms bonded, the resulting elements and their behavior can be predicted. Also, the
producing of such elements can be repeated with this knowledge.

II. BODY:
1) FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS
i.

An atom consists of a very small nucleus which is made up of protons and

neutrons, which are encircled by electrons that are moving. Neutrons are
electrically neutral. While electrons and protons are electrically charged,
the charge values are as follows:
qe = -1.60 x 10-19 C
qp = 1.60 x 10-19 C

ii.

The masses of these particles are infinitesimally small. Protons and

neutrons have approximately the same mass. The value for their mass is:
mp = mn = 1.67 x 10-27 kg

iii.

Compared to the mass of the electron, the mass of the proton and neutron
is significantly larger with the mass value of the electron as:
me = 9.11 x 10-31 kg

iv.

v.

The Atomic Number(Z) is used to characterize an element by the number

of protons on the nucleus. For an electrically neutral or complete atom, the
atomic number is also equals the number of electrons. The range of the
atomic number for natural occurring elements is from 1 for Hydrogen to 92
for Uranium.