Atomic structure refers to the arrangement of subatomic particles—protons, neutrons, and
electrons—within an atom. This understanding forms the foundation of chemistry and physics,
explaining matter's properties and behavior.
1. Constituents of an Atom
1. Nucleus (Central Core):
o Protons: Positively charged particles.
Mass: ~1 atomic mass unit (amu).
Determines the atomic number (Z) and element identity.
o Neutrons: Neutral particles.
Mass: ~1 amu.
Contribute to atomic mass and isotopic variation.
2. Electrons (Surrounding the Nucleus):
o Negatively charged particles with negligible mass.
o Found in orbitals or energy levels around the nucleus.
o Responsible for chemical bonding and reactivity.
2. Basic Atomic Model Timeline
1. Dalton’s Atomic Theory (1803):
o Atoms are indivisible, indestructible units of matter.
o Atoms of the same element are identical.
2. Thomson’s Plum Pudding Model (1897):
o Discovered the electron using cathode ray experiments.
o Proposed atoms are spheres of positive charge with electrons embedded.
3. Rutherford’s Nuclear Model (1911):
o Discovered the nucleus through the gold foil experiment.
o Proposed atoms consist of a dense, positively charged nucleus surrounded by
electrons in empty space.
4. Bohr’s Model (1913):
o Electrons orbit the nucleus in discrete energy levels (quantized).
o Explained atomic spectra (e.g., hydrogen's emission lines).
5. Quantum Mechanical Model (Modern):
o Based on Schrödinger's equation and Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.
o Electrons occupy probabilistic regions of space called orbitals.
3. Key Features of Atomic Structure
1. Atomic Number (Z):
o Number of protons in the nucleus.
o Defines the element (e.g., Hydrogen, Z = 1).
2. Mass Number (A):
o Sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
o A=Z+NA = Z + N (where NN = number of neutrons).
3. Isotopes:
o Atoms of the same element with different neutron numbers (e.g., Carbon-12,
Carbon-14).
4. Electrons and Energy Levels:
o Electrons occupy discrete energy levels or shells (n=1,2,3,…n=1, 2, 3, \dots).
o Shells are divided into subshells (s, p, d, f), with specific orbital shapes and
capacities.
o Electron configurations determine chemical properties (e.g., Oxygen:
1s22s22p41s^2 2s^2 2p^4).
4. Forces in an Atom
1. Electrostatic Force: Attraction between negatively charged electrons and positively
charged protons holds electrons around the nucleus.
2. Nuclear Force: Strong force that binds protons and neutrons in the nucleus, overcoming
proton-proton repulsion.
5. Advanced Concepts
1. Quantum Numbers:
o Principal quantum number (nn): Energy level.
o Angular momentum quantum number (ll): Orbital shape (s, p, d, f).
o Magnetic quantum number (mlm_l): Orbital orientation.
o Spin quantum number (msm_s): Electron spin (+12+\frac{1}{2} or −12-
\frac{1}{2}).
2. Orbitals and Shapes:
o ss-orbital: Spherical.
o pp-orbitals: Dumbbell-shaped.
o dd- and ff-orbitals: More complex shapes.
3. Ionization Energy: Energy required to remove an electron from an atom.
4. Electron Affinity: Energy released when an atom gains an electron.
5. Periodic Trends: Atomic size, ionization energy, and electronegativity change
predictably across periods and groups.
Would you like to explore a specific topic within atomic structure, such as orbitals, isotopes, or
quantum mechanics?
