Chemistry is a fascinating subject that deals with the properties, composition, and behavior of matter. One of the fundamental concepts in chemistry is the atomic structure, which refers to the arrangement of electrons, protons, and neutrons within an atom. Lessons on the atomic structure is crucial as it forms the basis for many other concepts in chemistry.
For senior high school students, studying the atomic structure is an essential part of their chemistry education. It lays the foundation for more advanced topics such as chemical bonding, molecular structure, and periodic trends. Additionally, knowledge of the atomic structure is essential for various scientific fields, including biochemistry, materials science, and engineering.
In this series of chemistry lessons, senior high school students will learn about the atomic structure in-depth. They will explore the properties of subatomic particles and their role in determining the characteristics of different elements. They will also learn about the development of atomic theory, including the contributions of scientists such as John Dalton, J.J. Thomson, and Ernest Rutherford.
By the end of these lessons, students will have a solid understanding of the atomic structure and how it relates to the behavior of matter. They will be able to apply this knowledge to solve problems related to chemical reactions, isotopes, and atomic structure. With a firm grasp of the atomic structure, students will be well-equipped to succeed in higher-level chemistry courses and pursue careers in various scientific fields
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Key takes away:
By the end of the discussions will be able to
- Know what matter is
- A brief origin about atoms
- The three particles made up of atom
- Atomic symbols and isotopes
- Relative atomic mass.
Matter
In our Junior High schools we learnt about matter and I’m sure we all certainly know what it is. Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.
Matter is basically built on atoms, and for that matter is considered as the building block of matter. The main the compositions of matter are elements.
Elements
Elements are made up of pure substances or atoms which cannot be broken down by any physical or chemical means. Elements were founded before year 1800s. In times past, a Scientist from Russia made a proposition for elements to be arranged according to their atomic mass numbers.
He was called Dmitri Mendeleev, but today elements are not arranged according to their atomic mass number but rather based on their atomic number.
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A brief origin about atoms
Atom came from a Greek word ‘atom’ which means ‘undividable’. The Greeks then made a conclusion if that is the case then the atom could further be divided into tiny particles which may be seen with the naked eyes. These tiniest particles of matter were called atom.
Particles of matter
There are basically three particles that make up an atom. These are;
- Protons
- Electrons and neutrons
Every atom has got a nucleus, within the nucleus found the protons and the neutrons. The nucleus is considered to be the pivotal point of the atom, around which the electrons move in paths called, shells.
Charges of the particles of an atom
The proton of atom has a positive charge (+), with neutrons having a zero or no charge (0). Electron also has a negative charge (-). All these charges are all relative charges.
How are atoms and electrons arranged?
Atoms are arranged in accordance with the atomic number on a periodic table but for the case of electron, it is arranged to using the shells of an atom or by their energy levels.
How’s the atomic mass number of an atom determined?
The atomic mass number is determined using the protons and the neutrons of the atom. For example, if the mass number of 150; 149 Ibs which is approximately the same as 15oz is proton while neutrons only 1oz is electron’s mass. The mass of an electron becomes insignificant with -9.108 X 10-28 grams.
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What are Isotopes?
There are some isotopes that give out their energy while trying to become stable. As a result we say they are radioactive. This process produces another form of element.
In short we can define isotopes as atoms that give off their energy by forming another element while trying to become a stable atom. For example chlorine with atomic number 17 may be having neutron number of 18 which the two gives atomic mass number of 35.
Thanks for reading this piece. May your hard work pay off.
Catch our next write up on chemistry for SHS one.
Topic to Treat next is ‘Chemical Bonding’.
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