Atom Basics

BAsic Information

• The atom is the smallest know part of matter
• An atom can not be cut through

THe Nucleus

• The nucleus is the core of an atom
• Consists of protons and neutrons

Protons

• Protonds have a positive charge
• The atomic number of an element is the amount of protons in the nucleus

Neutrons

• Neutrons have no electric charge
• If there are more neutrons in a nucleus than there should be, that specific substance becomes thicker

electrons

• Electrons orbit the nucleus in scattered paths, but in layers called, shells, also known as energy levels
• The first shell can hold two electrons
• The second shell can hold 8 electrons
• The third shell can hold 18 electrons
• Negative charge

Elctrons

• If the nucleus were the size of a small ball, the nearest electron would be 500 yards away

Empty Space Comparison

Link to Animation

• http://clips.animatron.com/d68a145184815e295c1be7968d96de26