Atom: Difference between revisions
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==Definition of an Atom== | ==Definition of an Atom== | ||
An atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains the chemical properties of that element. It consists of a dense nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in specific energy levels. | An atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains the chemical properties of that element. It consists of a dense nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in specific energy levels. | ||
=Structure of an Atom= | ==Structure of an Atom== | ||
Atoms are composed of three primary subatomic particles: | Atoms are composed of three primary subatomic particles: | ||
* Protons: Positively charged particles located in the nucleus. | * Protons: Positively charged particles located in the nucleus. | ||
* Neutrons: Neutral particles found in the nucleus. | * Neutrons: Neutral particles found in the nucleus. | ||
* Electrons: Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in energy levels or shells. | * Electrons: Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in energy levels or shells. | ||
=Atomic Nucleus= | =Atomic Nucleus= | ||
The nucleus is the central part of the atom, containing protons and neutrons. It accounts for most of the atom's mass. | The nucleus is the central part of the atom, containing protons and neutrons. It accounts for most of the atom's mass. | ||