Atoms

What are they and what do

they do?
What are atoms?
Atoms are the smallest particles of matter
Atoms make up everything around us
Molecules are combinations of atoms
Elements are only one type of atom
Compounds are made up of different types of atoms

Hydrogen Gas Water

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 Atoms vs. Elements
What is the difference between atoms and elements?

Atoms make up elements.

To be an element, it can ONLY have ONE type of atom.

The terms are often used interchangeably.

For example, the Periodic Table of the Elements could also be
written as the
Periodic Table of Different Types of Atoms.

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Lets Recap
What is an atom?
Atoms are the smallest particles of matter.

What is an element?
Elements are made up of only one type of atom.

What is a molecule?
Molecules are combinations of atoms.

What is a compound?
Compounds are made up of different types of atoms.

What are some examples of these?

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Components of an Atom
What makes up an atom?

At the center of all atoms is the

Nucleus.
The nucleus contains protons
and neutrons.

Protons: (+)
Positively charged atomic particles

Neutrons:
Uncharged (neutral) atomic particles

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Components of an Atom
What makes up an atom?

Orbiting around the nucleus are the

electrons.

Electrons: (-)
Negatively charged atomic
particles

Nature prefers balance so if a

particle is positively charged, it
will attract negatively charged
particles and vice-versa.

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Components of an Atom
Recap

Where would you find the following parts of an

atom and what is its charge?

Protons:
In the center of the atom
Positive charge
Neutrons:
In the center of the atom
Uncharged
Electrons:
Orbiting the atom
Negative charge
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Atomic Number
The atomic number is equal to the
number of protons in the nucleus
of an atom.

The atomic number identifies

the element.

How many protons are in

this nucleus?
(assume the protons are red)

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Periodic Table of Elements

NASA

Which element has 4 protons?

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Electrons
This course is titled Magic of Electrons and we
will focus mainly on the electrons present in an atom.

Why?
It is important to understand how and why electrons move in
order to understand how electricity works.

In the coming presentations we will cover the importance of

electrons and their importance.

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