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CH 4 CHEM

This document discusses the structure of atoms, including the discovery of subatomic particles such as electrons, protons, and neutrons. It outlines various atomic models, including Thomson's Plum Pudding Model, Rutherford's nuclear model, and Bohr's model of fixed electron orbits. Additionally, it covers concepts like electronic configuration, valency, atomic number, mass number, isotopes, and isobars, emphasizing the importance of understanding atomic structure in chemistry.

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msmira999
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2 views

CH 4 CHEM

This document discusses the structure of atoms, including the discovery of subatomic particles such as electrons, protons, and neutrons. It outlines various atomic models, including Thomson's Plum Pudding Model, Rutherford's nuclear model, and Bohr's model of fixed electron orbits. Additionally, it covers concepts like electronic configuration, valency, atomic number, mass number, isotopes, and isobars, emphasizing the importance of understanding atomic structure in chemistry.

Uploaded by

msmira999
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Structure of the Atom - Summary

1. Introduction
Atoms and molecules are the fundamental building blocks of matter. The different properties of elements arise
due to the nature of their atoms. This chapter explores the internal structure of atoms, including subatomic
particles and models proposed to explain their arrangement.

2. Discovery of Subatomic Particles

2.1 Electrons and Protons


J.J. Thomson discovered electrons (negatively charged particles), and E. Goldstein discovered protons (positively
charged particles). The charge on an electron is -1, and that on a proton is +1.

2.2 Neutrons
J. Chadwick discovered neutrons in 1932. Neutrons have no charge and a mass nearly equal to protons.

3. Atomic Models

3.1 Thomson’s Model


J.J. Thomson proposed the 'Plum Pudding Model,' where electrons are embedded in a positively charged sphere.

3.2 Rutherford’s Model


Rutherford’s gold foil experiment led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus:
- Atoms have a dense, positively charged nucleus.
- Electrons revolve around the nucleus.
- Most of the atom is empty space.
However, this model could not explain electron stability.

3.3 Bohr’s Model


To address Rutherford’s shortcomings, Niels Bohr proposed:
- Electrons move in fixed orbits (shells) around the nucleus.
- They do not lose energy while moving in these shells.
- Shells are labeled as K, L, M, N.

4. Electronic Configuration
Bohr and Bury suggested that electrons are distributed in shells following the 2n² rule:
- K shell (n=1): 2 electrons
- L shell (n=2): 8 electrons
- M shell (n=3): 18 electrons
- N shell (n=4): 32 electrons

5. Valency
Valency is the combining capacity of an atom, determined by the number of electrons in its outermost shell.
Atoms with a full outer shell are chemically stable. Example:
- Sodium (Na) has 1 valence electron → Valency = 1
- Oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons → Valency = 2 (needs 2 more to complete its octet).
6. Atomic Number and Mass Number

6.1 Atomic Number (Z)


The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom. Example: Hydrogen (Z=1), Carbon (Z=6).

6.2 Mass Number (A)


Mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Example: Oxygen has 8 protons and 8 neutrons,
so A=16.

7. Isotopes and Isobars

7.1 Isotopes
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same atomic number but different mass numbers. Examples:
- Hydrogen: Protium (¹H), Deuterium (²H), Tritium (³H)
- Carbon: Carbon-12 and Carbon-14

7.2 Isobars
Isobars are atoms of different elements with the same mass number but different atomic numbers. Example:
Argon-40 and Calcium-40.

8. Summary
1. Atoms are made of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
2. Thomson proposed the 'Plum Pudding Model.'
3. Rutherford’s gold foil experiment discovered the nucleus.
4. Bohr’s model introduced fixed electron orbits.
5. Electrons are arranged in shells following the 2n² rule.
6. Valency determines chemical reactivity.
7. Atomic number (Z) = Protons, Mass number (A) = Protons + Neutrons.
8. Isotopes have the same atomic number but different mass numbers.
9. Isobars have the same mass number but different atomic numbers.

Conclusion
Understanding atomic structure is crucial for chemistry. The discovery of subatomic particles and atomic
models helps explain chemical properties and the behavior of different elements.

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