Inside the Atom

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Inside the Atom

  • The nucleus of an atom contains protons (+ve charge) and neutrons (no charge).
  • The sum of these nucleons are the mass number (A)
  • Total number of protons is the atomic number (Z) and defines the atom type

Method for writing out an atom:

  • X is the chemical symbol of the element
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Isotopes

  • The proton number defines which element the atom is (1 = Hydrogen, 2 = Helium, 3 = Lithium etc.)
  • Neutron numbers can vary but this does not affect which element they are or its chemical properties. These are called isotopes of an element.
  • The mass of a single atom is always a whole number for a type of element that has a variety of isotopes then an average is often quoted.
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Specific Charge

  • Specific Charge [ckg^-1] = (Charge [C]) / (Mass [kg])#

Proton

  • Charge = 1.6x10^-19
  • Relative Charge = 1
  • Mass = 1.67x10^-27
  • Relative Mass = 1

Neutron

  • Charge = 0
  • Relative Charge = 0
  • Mass = 1.6x10^-27
  • Relative Mass = 1
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Specific Charge

Electron

  • Charge = -1.6x10^-19
  • Relative Charge = -1
  • Mass = 9.11x10^-31
  • Relative Mass = 0.0005
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