Lesson 2.

2: The structure of the Atom

Lesson 2.3 The Synthetic Elements
 Structure of Atom
Atom is the smallest particle of a substance that can exist by it self or
be combined with other atoms to form a molecule.
All atoms consist of three sub-atomic particles:

1. Protons
2. Neutrons
3. Electrons

Protons are the very small particle of matter that is part of the nucleus
of an atom and that has a positive electrical charge.
Neutrons- are very small particle of matter that has no electrical charge
and is part of nucleus of all atoms except hydrogen atoms
Electron- are the very small particle of matter that has a negative charge
of electricity and that travels around the nucleus of an atom.
 Ions
Ions are electrically charged particles formed when atoms lose or gain
electrons. They have the same electronic structures as noble gasses.
Metal atoms form a positive ions, while non-metal atoms form negative
ions. The strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely
charged ions are called ionic bonds.
If there will be a change in the number of electrons because of
transferring or sharing of electrons, then the atom becomes an ion.
An atom that loses electrons becomes a positively charged ion and is
called a cation.
An atom that gains electrons becomes negatively charged and is called
an anion.
 Daltons Atomic Theory
Daltons Atomic theory is a theory of the nature of matter:
All material substances are composed of minute particles or atoms of a
comparatively small number of kinds and all atoms of the same kind
are uniform in size , weight, and other properties.
Daltons Atomic theory is the theory that scientist believe to form a
new element. But in the concept number 2 of Daltons atomic theory
had change during late 1800 because isotopes were discovered or
invented.
 Synthetic Element
Are chemical elements that does not occur naturally on earth and can
only be created artificially. So far, 24 synthetic elements have been
created (those with atomic numbers 95-118). All are unstable, decaying
with half lives ranging from 15.6 million years to a few hundred
microseconds.
The process of Producing Radio Active Elements is called Nuclear
Reactions.
Synthetic elements are artificially prepared elements. They are
radioactive and decay rapidly into a lighter elements.
 Nuclear Reaction involved in the
Synthesis of New Elements
Radioactive Decay- also known as radioactivity is the result of the
random and spontaneous breakdown of the unstable nucleus of an
atom. It is a type of ionizing radiation that interacts with matter to
produce ions. An unstable nucleus is formed. This breakdown is called
radioactive decay.
Types of radioactive decay:
1. Alpha Radiation or Alpha Decay
2. Beta Radiation or Beta- Decay
3. Electron Capture
4. Positron emission
5. Gamma Decay
 Nuclear Reaction involved in the
Synthesis of New Elements
Nuclear Transmutation- Is the conversion of one chemical element
or an isotope into another.
Combustion Reactions- always involve molecular oxygen. Anytime
anything burns in the usual sense. Its a combustion reactions are
almost always exothermic (i.e. they give off heat)
Displacement reaction- is a chemical reaction in which a more
reactive element from its compound. Both metals and non metals take
part in displacement reactions. (i.e. reaction of iron nails with copper
sulphate solution.