Atomic Structure

• What is the focus of the chapter on atomic structure?

  The chapter explores the nature of atoms and how they differ from element to element.
• How many elements are there?

  There are 118 elements.
• What are the building blocks of everything?

  The 118 elements are the building blocks from simple substances to complex ones.
• What are the learning objectives of the chapter on atomic structure?

  • Understand the terms atom and molecule
  • Know the structure of an atom (positions, relative masses, and charges of sub-atomic particles)
  • Understand atomic number, mass number, isotopes, and relative atomic mass (A)
  • Calculate relative atomic mass from isotopic abundances
• What is an atom?

  An atom is the smallest piece of an element that can still be recognized as that element.
• What happens if you split an atom into smaller pieces?

  You would have protons, neutrons, and electrons, but no longer have the element itself.
• What is a molecule?

  A molecule consists of two or more atoms chemically bonded by covalent bonds.
• Can the atoms in a molecule be from the same or different elements?

  Yes, the atoms can be from the same elements or different elements.
• What does a hydrogen (H₂) molecule consist of?

  A hydrogen (H₂) molecule consists of 2 hydrogen atoms chemically bonded together.
• What does a water (H₂O) molecule consist of?

  A water (H₂O) molecule consists of 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom chemically bonded.
• What do the lines between atoms in a molecule represent?

  • The lines represent chemical bonds.
  • They indicate how atoms are connected in a molecule.