Atomic Structure

Atomic Structure

Learning Objectives

• Understand the basic structure of an atom
• Identify the three main particles that constitute an atom: protons, neutrons, and electrons
• Comprehend the concept of atomic number and its significance

What do you already know about atoms?

Overview of an Atom

• The atom consists of three main particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons
• The nucleus is the central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons
• Electrons are housed in shells surrounding the nucleus

Subatomic Particles

• Protons: positively charged particles found in the nucleus
• Neutrons: neutral particles found in the nucleus
• Electrons: negatively charged particles found in electron shells

Nucleus and Electron Shells

• The nucleus is extremely dense and makes up a tiny fraction of the atom's total volume
• Electrons reside in specific electron shells surrounding the nucleus
• Each electron shell has a specific capacity

Relative Size of the Nucleus

• The nucleus is much smaller than the overall size of the atom
• The atom is mostly empty space

Atomic Number

• The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom
• The atomic number determines the identity of an element

Definition List

• Atom: The smallest unit of an element, made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons
• Nucleus: The central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons
• Electron Shells: The orbits around the nucleus where electrons reside
• Atomic Number: The number of protons in an atom, which determines the identity of the element

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.