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Atoms
The building blocks of matter, made of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Protons
Positively charged particles in the nucleus. Determine the element and the atomic number.
Neutrons
Neutral particles in the nucleus. Add mass but don't affect charge.
Electrons
Negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus. Balance the protons to make an atom neutral.
Atomic Number
The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in the nucleus.
Key Point
The number of protons uniquely defines an element. If you change the number of protons, you change the element. Each element has a unique atomic number.
Neutral Atoms
When an atom has the same number of protons and electrons, it is electrically neutral.
Charge Calculation
Protons have a +1 charge. Electrons have a -1 charge. If there are equal numbers of protons and electrons, the positive and negative charges cancel out, resulting in no overall charge.
Example of Neutral Atom
A carbon atom has 6 protons and 6 electrons, making it neutral.
Positively Charged Ion
If an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged (+ion).
Negatively Charged Ion
If it gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged (-ion).
Role of Electrons
Electrons: Negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus.
Equal Numbers in Neutral Atoms
In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons.
Ion Formation
If the atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes charged (an ion).