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Atoms (2.1-2.3)
This chapter focuses on the structure of atoms, elements in the periodic table, how atoms combine to form substances, and naming compounds. The work of many scientists, such as John Dalton, J.J. Thompson, and R. Millikan, provided experimental information for development of a modern understanding of the structure of atoms. Atoms are the smallest particles of an elements that have the same chemical properties of that element. Some general characteristics about the structure of atoms are: The mass of a single atom is extremely small, less than 10-21 g. The center of an atom contains a small nucleus. A nucleus contains protons and neutrons, which make up most of the mass of an atom. The volume of an atom mostly consists of electrons. Protons (positively charged) and neutrons (no charge) have essentially the same mass. Electrons (negatively charged) are significantly less massive.
All atoms of the same element have the same number of protons. Atoms that have the same number of protons but differ in their number of neutrons are called isotopes. The general symbol for an isotope is A ZX . A being the mass number, equal to the number of protons + the number of neutrons. X is the elemental symbol. Z is the atomic number, equal to the number of protons. Note: The atomic number Z defines an element; it also tells you how many electrons a neutral atom of that element possesses. Thus, the number of neutrons equals A Z.
The periodic table lists elements in order of increasing atomic number. It is very useful in helping us to organize trends in the chemical and physical properties of elements. Elements in vertical columns, called families or groups, exhibit similar chemical and physical properties, whereas elements in a horizontal row (period) exhibit different properties.