How to Discover an Atomic Structure

It is necessary to understand the properties of the individual atoms before discovering the corresponding atomic structure.

The atomic structure refers to the organization of the subatomic particles within the element. These subatomic particles consist of protons, neutrons and electrons. Depending on the type of element that you are contending with, the number of protons, neutrons and electrons will be different. Therefore, even though all elements have the same general atomic structure, with the protons and neutrons located in the nucleus, and the electrons present within the electron cloud, it is still necessary to understand the properties of the individual atoms before discovering the corresponding atomic structure.

Things You'll Need

• Periodic table

Instructions

1. Find the element on the periodic table. The periodic table is a beneficial reference to use when attempting to discover the atomic structure of an element because it will indicate the number of subatomic particles, as well as the number of valence electrons. The number situated above the element is the atomic number. This number indicates the number of protons within the element. For neutral atoms, the number of protons equals the number of electrons. The number of neutrons can be determined by subtracting the number of protons from the atomic mass of the element.

2. Comprehend the proper positions of the subatomic particles. The neutrons and protons are located in the nucleus of the atom, which composes the center of the atom. The nucleus is very dense and compact. The electrons are located in abstract electron clouds. Electron clouds represent the probability of where the electrons are most likely to be found. The electrons occupy much more space than does the nucleus of the atom.

3. Estimate the general size of the radius of the atom. Discovering the atomic structure can be accomplished by having an understanding of the size of the radius. The periodic table is also beneficial for this process because it possesses trends that facilitate this. The trend of atomic radius is that the size of the radius tends to increase as you move toward the left of the table, and that the size of the radius increases as you move down the periodic table. Atoms with a smaller atomic radius are smaller than those with a larger atomic radius.

References

• Anthony Carpi: Atomic Structure