2.1 Three Structures of the Atom

Understand the structure of the atom (atomic model) and how it is composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons, including the electrical charge associated with each.

Study Guide

Explain each Concept

è A proton is a positively charged particle with a mass of 1 amu.

è A neutron is a particle with no charge that has a mass of 1 amu.

è An electron is a negatively charged particle with an extremely small mass.

è Protons and neutrons make up the nucleus. Electrons are found in electron clouds outside the nucleus.

è The four forces at work in an atom are gravity, the electromagnetic force, the strong force, and the weak force.

Atoms are the smallest particles of an element that retain the properties of the element.