Atomic Structure

The atom is the smallest part of an element that

still has the properties of the element. Composed of 3 types of sub-atomic particles:
Protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Mostly empty space (domain of electrons). Most of the mass collected in a very tiny nucleus

(neutrons & protons). Nucleus has a positive charge due to protons, but the atom as a whole is neutral.

 Protons, neutrons

and electrons all have significant effects on a an atoms stability and reactivity. Atomic notation allows for quick reference of all the subatomic parts of an atom.

Particle
Proton Neutron Electron

Symbol
p+ n0 e-

Charge
1+ 0 1-

Mass (kg)
1.67 X 10-27 1.67 X 10-27 9.11 X 10-31

Location
nucleus nucleus Outside nucleus

 Electrons: occupy specific energy levels. have less energy in levels closest from the nucleus due to the strong attraction to the positive nucleus, more energy farther away.
Maximum number of electrons per

energy level is:

Period 1 - 2 ePeriod 2 - 8 ePeriod 3 - 8 e-

(closest to nucleus)

Note: beyond calcium the pattern is more complicated).

 Represents the number of protons in an atom of

a particular element. Can be used to identify and specify the element. (The proton is the unit of matter!) Elements are arranged in the periodic table in order of increasing atomic number
eg. Li has 3 protons, C has 6, Cl has 17

* In each atom, the number of protons equals the number of

electrons. (Atoms are generally neutral!)

Atomic Symbol:
Atomic Mass:

Atomic Number:
Protons:

Neutrons:

Electrons:

 Is the number of protons & neutrons in an atom. Only protons and neutrons have significant mass in the

atom. The electrons mass is so small it is ignored in the atomic mass number.
eg. Li mass number = 6.94 (rounded to 7)

To determine the number of neutrons in an atomic

nucleus, subtract atomic number from atomic mass.

eg. Li Atomic mass = 7 Atomic number = 3 Neutrons =4

 Atoms of the same element that contain

different numbers of neutrons, therefore having different masses. Remember that atoms of the same element have the same atomic number the same number of protons.
eg. Hydrogen:

 For an atom, electrons fill up lower energy

levels first, moving up levels until all electrons are placed.

 Elements in the same family/group have the

same reactivity. This is related to the number of electrons in the outer shell, called valence. Valence electrons are the electrons in the outer shell.

 Octet Rule : states that atoms bond in such a

way as to have 8 electrons in their outer shell, full like a noble gas! Exceptions are H, Li, Be who need only 2 like He
Practice Question: For the following elements: 1) State the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons 2) State the number of occupied energy levels in the atom 3) State the number of valence electrons a) sodium b) flourine c) barium d) xenon

 Period Number is relevant as it tells the number of energy

levels required to support all the electrons in an atom.

Group Number tells us the number of valence electrons in

the outer energy level of an atom.

This is most easily recognized in the A group numbers.

Eg. alkali : alkaline earth : halogens : noble gases :

valence of 1
valence of 2 valence of 7 valence of 8 full outer shell, very stable/unreactive