CHAPTER

6 Elements, Atoms, and the Atomic Theory

• Matter is made of atoms and every element has its own unique
type of atom.
• Elements are identified by names and chemical symbols.
• Atoms have a structure that determines their properties.
• Every atom is composed of three types of subatomic particles:
protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• The number of electrons in the outer shell of an element’s atoms
determines the properties of the element.
CHAPTER

6 Elements, Atoms, and the Atomic Theory

• The Periodic Table organizes elements in different ways.

• Metals are found on the left,
non-metals on the right,
and metalloids in between.
• Chemical families are arranged
in vertical groups.

• Periodic Tables can indicate the chemical symbol, atomic number, atomic
mass, ion charge, density, and other information about each element.
CHAPTER

6 Elements, Atoms, and the Atomic Theory

Activity
Draw your own Classification of Matter chart in your notebook. Use the
example below as a guide. Under each heading, write at least three
common examples of each form of matter.

See pages 149–150 in the textbook for clarification and a description of

each heading if needed.
CHAPTER

6 Elements, Atoms, and the Atomic Theory

Key Ideas
• Matter is made of atoms.

• Atoms have a structure that determines their properties.

• The Periodic Table organizes elements in different ways.

 6.1 Properties Are Used to Identify Matter
VOCABULARY
• Physical properties can be observed without changing physical properties
the chemical structure of a substance. chemical properties
• Chemical properties describe a possible chemical mixtures
change. pure substances

• Matter is made of atoms. elements

atoms
• Atoms are the smallest particles of each element.
compounds
• Elements, compounds, and mixtures together
constitute all matter.
• Mixtures are made from two or more substances
that are not chemically combined.
• Elements combine to form compounds.
• Elements are identified by names and chemical symbols.
• Some elements are found as paired atoms.
 6.2 Atomic Theory
VOCABULARY
• Atoms are made of component particles
subatomic particles
called subatomic particles: protons,
nucleus
neutrons, and electrons.
protons
• Every atom of any one element will
neutrons
have the same number of protons.
atomic number
• Positive protons and neutral neutrons mass number
are found in the nucleus, and negative atomic mass
electrons are arranged in shells or electrons
orbits around the nucleus.
electron shells
• There are an equal number of protons unpaired electrons
and electrons in an atom. Ions form paired electrons
when the number of electrons changes.

• The number of electrons in the outer

shell determines the properties of the
element.
 Classifying Elements with the
6.3
Periodic Table
VOCABULARY
• Elements can be classified or grouped in many
chemical families
different ways using physical and chemical properties.
• The groups include metals, non-metals, and metalloids.
• Some groups of elements have characteristic sets of common
physical and chemical properties, and are called chemical families.
• The Periodic Table organizes elements in the following way:
• Metals are found on the left side,
non-metals on the right, and metalloids
in between.
• Chemical families are arranged in
vertical groups.
• The table can also display the chemical
symbol, atomic number, atomic mass, ion
charge, density, and other information
about each element.