Download Structure of the Atom

Structure of the Atom
Nucleus of the Atom
a. protons
–number of protons defines the element.
–Number of protons is also the atomic
number.
–They have a positive charge
–One proton = one amu.
nucleus of the atom cont….
b. neutrons
– Neutral charge
– Similar mass as a proton
– Number of neutrons within an element can
vary. These variations are called isotopes.
– One neutron is one a.m.u.
– Stabilize the nucleus
Nucleus of the atom cont…….
c. General information on the nucleus.
– The nucleus is extremely dense.
– The force that holds the nucleus together is
called the “strong force”. It is the strongest
force known, but is strong for only minute
distances.