Understanding Atoms, Molecules, and Ions: Structure and Properties
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Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
Atoms: Electrically balanced particles consisting of one positively charged center called the nucleus, surrounded by a cloud of negatively charged particles called electrons, which exactly balance the nuclear charge.
Molecules: Electrically balanced particles with more than one positive center (nuclei). Molecules are sets of bonded atoms that act as a unit.
Ions: Atoms (or groups of atoms) with unbalanced charges.
The number of protons determines the number of electrons necessary to balance the atom's charge. Neutrons are the cementing material in the nucleus. The force between protons and neutrons is called the strong nuclear interaction. Number of protons = ATOMIC NUMBER of the atom (Z)
The atomic number is also given... Continue reading "Understanding Atoms, Molecules, and Ions: Structure and Properties" »