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Questions and Answers
The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons, and the nucleus is responsible for the majority of the atom's mass.
The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons, and the nucleus is responsible for the majority of the atom's mass.
True (A)
An atom's nucleus has a negative charge.
An atom's nucleus has a negative charge.
False (B)
The outermost electron shell of an atom has the lowest energy levels.
The outermost electron shell of an atom has the lowest energy levels.
False (B)
A typical atom has a radius of approximately $10^{-10}$ meters.
A typical atom has a radius of approximately $10^{-10}$ meters.
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Electrons orbit the nucleus in random paths, not in specific shells or orbitals.
Electrons orbit the nucleus in random paths, not in specific shells or orbitals.
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Flashcards
Atoms
Atoms
Basic units of matter that make up everything in the universe.
Subatomic particles
Subatomic particles
Particles that make up an atom, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Nucleus
Nucleus
The central part of an atom containing protons and neutrons.
Electron shells
Electron shells
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Proton mass
Proton mass
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Study Notes
Atoms: The Building Blocks of Matter
- Atoms are incredibly small particles that make up everything in the universe, including us.
- An average human body contains approximately 7 x 10^27 atoms.
The Structure of an Atom
- Atoms are composed of even smaller particles called subatomic particles.
- The central part of an atom is called the nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons.
- Protons have a positive charge.
- Neutrons have no charge.
- The nucleus, as a whole, possesses a positive charge.
- Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus.
- Electrons are attracted to the positively charged nucleus due to electrostatic forces, similar to how planets orbit the sun due to gravity.
Mass and Size of Atoms
- Protons and neutrons have nearly the same mass.
- Electrons are much lighter, about 2000 times lighter than protons and neutrons.
- The majority of an atom's mass is concentrated in its nucleus.
- The radius of an atom is typically 10^-10 meters, which is extremely small.
- Although the nucleus houses the majority of an atom's mass, it is much smaller than the overall atom.
- Electrons can orbit very far away from the nucleus.
- As a visualization, if an atom were the size of a sports arena, the nucleus would be the size of a "p" in the center.
Electron Shells and Energy Levels
- Negatively charged electrons orbit the positively charged nucleus in specific paths called shells or orbitals.
- Different atoms have different numbers of shells.
- Each shell represents a specific energy level, meaning an electron must possess a certain amount of energy to occupy that shell.
- Electrons in shells closest to the nucleus have the lowest energy levels.
- Electrons in the outermost shells have the highest energy levels.
Atom Discovery and Exploration
- More information on how the existence and structure of atoms were discovered can be explored in a separate video.
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Description
Explore the fundamental building blocks of matter through this quiz on atoms. Understand their structure, including subatomic particles, and learn about mass and size relationships within atoms. Perfect for anyone interested in chemistry or the basics of physical science.
