Atom

An atom is an electrically neutral particle that is made up of the fundamental particles of matter. It is the smallest particle of matter that characterizes an element.

Structure

There are three subatomic particles that make up all atoms:

1. protons
2. electrons
3. neutrons

The atom is made up of mostly empty space in which electrons move. Electrostatic attraction exists between the electrons and protons and keeps the negatively electrons attracted to the positively charged nucleus. An atom is electrically neutral. Since the relative charge of the proton is +1 and the relative charge of the electron is -1, there must be equal number of electrons and protons in an atom.

Physical size

Its diameter is of the order of 1 Å. The diameter of the nuclei is of the order of 10^-4 Å.

Content suitability

BCIT courses: CHEM 0011