Atom: Difference between revisions

 
(2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 20: Line 20:
* Isotopes: Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, leading to variations in atomic mass.
* Isotopes: Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, leading to variations in atomic mass.


= Properties of Atoms=
==Properties of Atoms==
Atoms exhibit several fundamental properties:
Atoms exhibit several fundamental properties:
* Size: Typically in the range of picometers (1 pm = 10⁻¹² m).
* Size: Typically in the range of picometers (1 pm = 10⁻¹² m).
* Charge: Atoms are electrically neutral unless they lose or gain electrons to form ions.
* Charge: Atoms are electrically neutral unless they lose or gain electrons to form ions.
* Reactivity: Dependent on the arrangement of electrons in the outermost shell.
* Reactivity: Dependent on the arrangement of electrons in the outermost shell.
= Atomic Theories=
 
==Atomic Theories==
Several theories have been proposed to explain atomic structure:
Several theories have been proposed to explain atomic structure:
* Dalton's Atomic Theory (1803): Proposed that atoms are indivisible and combine to form compounds.
* Dalton's Atomic Theory (1803): Proposed that atoms are indivisible and combine to form compounds.
Line 32: Line 33:
* Bohr’s Model (1913): Introduced quantized electron orbits.
* Bohr’s Model (1913): Introduced quantized electron orbits.
* Quantum Mechanical Model: The modern atomic theory describing electron probability clouds instead of fixed orbits.
* Quantum Mechanical Model: The modern atomic theory describing electron probability clouds instead of fixed orbits.
= Importance of Atoms in Chemistry=
 
==Importance of Atoms in Chemistry==
Atoms play a crucial role in:
Atoms play a crucial role in:
* Chemical Reactions: Atoms rearrange to form new substances through bonding.
* Chemical Reactions: Atoms rearrange to form new substances through bonding.