- Describe the structure of an atom in terms of fundamental particles (protons, electrons and
neutrons) using the Bohr model. - Recall the charges and relative masses of the fundamental particles
The atom is the smallest particle of a chemical element that can exist while retaining the same properties as the original element.
Atoms are made up of three main components, neutrons, protons and electrons.
- Protons are positively charged and are found in the nucleus.
- Neutrons are the particles that keep the atom together. without neutrons, the protons would repel each other, and these would act as a barrier to the protons. These do not have a charge.
- Electrons are negatively charged particles which are orbiting around the nucleus.
A simplified version of the atom can be explored using the Bohr model:
The neutrons and the protons are found in the center of the atom in the nucleus whereas the electrons are found in shells around the nucleus.
The mass of the protons and neutrons is more or less equivalent while the mass of the electron is much lower, and thus only the mass of the protons and neutrons when the mass of the atom is considered.
