Atomic Structure

Question 1

What particles make up the atom? and what are there charges?

Answer 1

Proton: +ve charge (large and heavy)
Neutron: 0 charge (large and heavy)
Electron: -ve charge (small and light)

Question 2

How is the atom arranged?

Answer 2

protons and neutrons in the middle (positively charged nucleus) held together by a strong nucleic force.
electrons in shells around the nucleus.

Question 3

what is the mass number?

Answer 3

number of protons and neutrons

Question 4

what is the atomic number

Answer 4

number of protons

Question 5

what forces hold atoms together?

Answer 5

Gravity: weakest of the forces. If a particle has mass then gravity will cause attraction between the particles.
Strong Force: binds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus
Weak force: governs beta decay, doesn’t play a part in keeping atoms together
Electromagnetic force: binds negative electrons in their orbital shells around positive nucleus