Download Atomic Structure and Identifying Elements

Dakota Frizzell and Alex Hite
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Atoms are incredibly small clusters of even
smaller subatomic particles
Atom is Greek for “ incapable of being
divided”
Atoms can be divided under very special
circumstances, but lose their unique
properties when done so
(Electric charge is a measure of a particles
ability to attract or repel other charged
particles)
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Atoms of elements are composed of different
numbers and proportions of 3 basic
subatomic particles.
Protons: positive charge
Neutrons: neutral, or no charge
Electrons: negative charge
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Planetary models portray atoms as a
miniature solar system, with protons and
neutrons in the middle and electrons orbiting
around in generally circular paths.
Orbital models depict the general location of
electrons outside the nucleus in a haze of
negative charge
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All protons, electrons, and neutrons are alike. What
makes the elements different is the amount of each of
these.
For example: Hydrogen (H)- 1 proton, 1 electron, and 0
neutrons , while Helium (He)- 2 protons, 2 electrons,
and 2 neutrons.
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Atomic number is equal to how many protons
there are.
Atomic mass is the sum of protons and
neutrons contained in the nucleus.
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Atomic weight approximately equal to mass
number of most abundant isotope
Isotopes have the same number of electrons,
but different numbers of neutrons
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Heavier isotopes of certain atoms are
unstable, and tend to decompose to become
more stable. These are called radioisotopes.
This process is called radioactivity.
This can be compared to a tiny explosion. It
involves ejection of alpha or beta particles or
gamma rays (electromagnetic energy), which
is damaging to living cells
Alpha particles leave the least effect, while gamma
rays do the most damage.
 PET scans use radioisotopes to tag onto cells in the
body. Radioisotope of iodine can be used to scan
thyroid gland. Radium, cobalt, and others used to
destroy some cancers.
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Marieb, Elaine, “Atomic Structure” and
“Identifying Elements”, Essentials of Human
Anatomy and Physiology, Serina
Beauparlant, 8th edition, San Francisco,
Pearson Benjamin Cummings, 2006, “ pgs.
29-32”