What is the Structure of an Atom?
This post will introduce the basic atomic structure, atomic mass and various information regarding atoms for Prelim Chemistry.
Topic: Atomic Structure and Atomic Mass
- Investigate the basic structure of stable and unstable isotopes by examining:
- Their position in the periodic table
- The distribution of electrons, protons, and neutrons in the atom
- Representation of the symbol, atomic number and mass number (nucleon number)
- Their position in the periodic table
What is an Atom?
An atom is the smallest discrete unit of matter. This video will explain a little more.
What is an Isotope?
Isotopes can be thought of as versions of an element, in the nucleus different isotopes of the same element contain the same number of protons but vary in the number of neutrons. This video explores isotopes in greater detail as well as introducing elemental symbols, atomic number, and mass number.
What are Unstable Isotopes?
Unstable isotopes (aka radioisotopes or radioactive isotopes) are an isotope of an element that has an unstable number of neutrons in the nucleus (in other words, too many). Due to this instability, the isotopes can decay and emit radiation in the process hence it being referred to as radioisotopes.