Structure of the Atom

Question 1

Identify that all matter is made up of atoms

Answer 1

Matter is what the universe is made of and atoms are the smallest building blocks of matter

Question 2

Describe the structure of atoms referring to the location and relative charges of protons, neutrons and electrons

Answer 2

The nucleus (center) of the atom contains the protons (positively charged) and the neutrons (no charge). The outermost regions of the atom are called electron shells and contain the electrons (negatively charged).

Question 3

Recall that in an uncharged atom, the numbers of protons and electrons are the same

Answer 3

In an uncharged, neutral atom, the number of electrons orbiting the nucleus is equal to the number of protons inside the nucleus. In these atoms, the positive and negative charges cancel each other out, leading to an atom with no net charge.