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Atoms

Atoms are the smallest units of matter, consisting of a nucleus with protons and neutrons, and electrons that orbit the nucleus. Various atomic models have been proposed over time, including Dalton's, Thomson's, Rutherford's, Bohr's, and the Quantum Mechanical Model, each contributing to our understanding of atomic structure and behavior. Key concepts include atomic and mass numbers, isotopes, and applications in spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, and nuclear energy.

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3 views2 pages

Atoms

Atoms are the smallest units of matter, consisting of a nucleus with protons and neutrons, and electrons that orbit the nucleus. Various atomic models have been proposed over time, including Dalton's, Thomson's, Rutherford's, Bohr's, and the Quantum Mechanical Model, each contributing to our understanding of atomic structure and behavior. Key concepts include atomic and mass numbers, isotopes, and applications in spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, and nuclear energy.

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devilfurio
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Atoms

1. Introduction

 Definition: The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an


element.

 Composition: An atom consists of:

o Nucleus (contains protons and neutrons)

o Electrons (orbit the nucleus)

2. Subatomic Particles

Particle Charge Mass (kg) Mass (u)

Proton +1+1 1.67×10−271.67 \times 10^{-27} 11

Neutron 00 1.67×10−271.67 \times 10^{-27} 11

Electron −1-1 9.11×10−319.11 \times 10^{-31} 1/18361/1836

3. Atomic Models

(a) Dalton’s Atomic Theory (1808)

 Atoms are indivisible and indestructible.

 Atoms of the same element are identical.

 Chemical reactions involve rearrangement of atoms.

(b) J.J. Thomson’s Model (1897)

 Plum Pudding Model: Atom is a sphere of positive charge with embedded


electrons.

 Discovery of the electron.

(c) Rutherford’s Model (1911)

 Gold Foil Experiment:

o Most alpha particles passed through → Atom is mostly empty space.

o Some deflected → Presence of dense, positively charged nucleus.

 Limitations: Couldn’t explain electron stability.

(d) Bohr’s Model (1913)

 Electrons move in fixed orbits (shells) around the nucleus.


 Energy is quantized (electrons absorb or emit energy when jumping levels).

 Formula for energy levels: En=−13.6n2 eVE_n = -\frac{13.6}{n^2} \text{ eV}


where nn = principal quantum number.

4. Atomic Number & Mass Number

 Atomic Number (ZZ) = Number of protons.

 Mass Number (AA) = Number of protons + neutrons.

 Isotopes: Same ZZ, di erent AA (e.g., 1H,2H,3H^1H, ^2H, ^3H).

 Isobars: Same AA, di erent ZZ (e.g., 40K^40K and 40Ca^40Ca).

5. Quantum Mechanical Model

 Developed by Schrödinger (1926).

 Electrons are described as wave functions (ψ).

 Orbitals: 3D regions where electrons are likely to be found.

 Quantum Numbers:

o Principal (n): Energy level.

o Azimuthal (l): Shape of orbital.

o Magnetic (m): Orientation in space.

o Spin (s): Electron spin (+12,−12+\frac{1}{2}, -\frac{1}{2}).

6. Atomic Spectra

 Emission Spectrum: Light emitted when electrons drop to lower energy


levels.

 Lyman Series: UV region (n1=1n_1 = 1).

 Balmer Series: Visible region (n1=2n_1 = 2).

 Paschen Series: Infrared region (n1=3n_1 = 3).

7. Applications of Atomic Theory

 Spectroscopy (chemical identification).

 Quantum Mechanics (modern physics, semiconductors).

 Nuclear Energy (fission, fusion).

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