Topic 3

Atomic Structure

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

Explain the history of atomic model;

Describe subatomic particles;

Differentiate between atomic number, nucleon number and

mass number;

Summarise the concepts of isotopes;

Show how to configure the electronic configuration of

atom; and

Summarise the concept of valence electrons.

3.1 HISTORY OF ATOMIC MODEL

3.1 HISTORY OF ATOMIC MODEL

3.1 HISTORY OF ATOMIC MODEL

3.1 HISTORY OF ATOMIC MODEL

FUNDAMENTAL PARTICLES

According to the atomic theory, matter is made

up of much smaller particles known as atoms.

Atoms consist principally of three fundamental

particles: electrons, protons, and neutrons.

Both the protons and neutrons reside in the

nucleus and they are called nucleon.

Electrons reside in orbits around the nucleus.

Structure of the atom

Subatomic Particles

Structure of the atom

3.3 PROTON NUMBER AND

NUCLEON NUMBER

Atomic number / Proton number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom

determines the atomic number (Z) and indicates
the element's identity.

Atomic number / Proton number

For a neutral atom, the atomic number also

describes the number of electrons around the
nucleus.

Atomic number / Proton number

In the periodic table, elements are arranged in

order of increasing atomic numbers.

Atomic number / Proton number

The atomic number of an element is the identity

of the element.
The number of proton in the nucleus of every atom in an
element is always the same.

Mass number / Nucleon number

The nucleon number of an element is the total

number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus
of an atom.

Nuclide Symbol

The composition of a nucleus is indicated by its

nuclide symbol.

Nucleon and proton numbers of an

element

3.4 ISOTOPES

Isotopes atoms of the same element that

have different masses.

The isotopes of a particular element all have the

same number of protons but different
numbers of neutrons.

Isotopes of Hydrogen
Isotope

Protons

Electrons

Neutrons

Hydrogen-1
(protium)

Hydrogen-2
(deuterium)

Hydrogen-3
(tritium)

Nucleus

Isotopes of Hydrogen

Isotopes of Some Elements

Page 65 (Module)

Isotopes

Naming Isotopes
Put

the mass number (nucleon number) after

the name of the element.

carbon- 12
carbon -14
uranium-235

Example 4-1
Find

the

number of protons
number of neutrons
number of electrons
Atomic number
Mass number
Name

35
17

Cl

Example 4-1
Find

the

number of protons
number of neutrons
number of electrons
Atomic number
Mass number
Name

37
17

Cl

Example 4-1
Find

the

number of protons
number of neutrons
number of electrons
Atomic number
Mass number
Name

63
29

Cu

Example 4-1
Find

the

number of protons
number of neutrons
number of electrons
Atomic number
Mass number
Name

65
29

Cu

Exercise
If

an element has an atomic number of 34

and a mass number of 78 what is the

number of protons
number of neutrons
number of electrons
nuclide symbol
name

Exercise
If

an element has 91 protons and 140

neutrons what is the

Atomic number
Mass number
Number of electrons
Nuclide symbol
Name

Exercise
If

an element has 78 electrons and 117

neutrons what is the

Atomic number
Mass number
Number of protons
Nuclide symbol
Name

Specific Isotopes and their

Usages

USES OF ISOTOPES
Nuclear Power Stations

Nuclear fission is the type of reaction carried out in

nuclear reactors.

USES OF ISOTOPES
In nuclear reactors the heat generated by the reaction is
used to produce steam that turns a turbine connected to a
generator.

USES OF ISOTOPES
Food Irradiation

Food can be irradiated with rays from 60Co or 137Cs.

The benefits of food irradiation are obvious it reduces
energy demand by eliminating the need for refrigeration,
and it prolongs the shelf life of various foods.

Food Irradiation

Strawberries irradiated at 200

kilorads (right) are still fresh after
15 days storage at 4C; those
not irradiated are moldy.

Dosage

Effect

Up to 100 kilorad

Inhibits sprouting of potatoes, onions, garlics. Inactivates

trichinae in pork. Kills or prevents insects from reproducing
in grains, fruits, and vegetables.

100 1000 kilorads

Delays spoilage of meat poultry and fish. Reduces

salmonella. Extends shelf life of some fruit.

1000 to 10,000 kilorads

Sterilizes meat, poultry and fish. Kills insects and

microorganisms in spices and seasoning.

3.5 ELECTRONIC
CONFIGURATION OF ATOMS

The electron configuration of potassium =

2.8.8.1

Dot and cross diagram

The electron configuration of nitrogen = 2.5

3.6 VALENCE ELECTRONS

Valence electrons are the electrons found in the

outermost shell of an atom.

3.6 VALENCE ELECTRONS