Lesson 2: Atomic Structure
Wrapping Up
Conclusion
In this lesson, you have learned a little about atomic structure. Keep in mind that as science has progressed, more and more detail has been collected about the structure of matter. As you review this lesson, keep in mind that atomic structure is highly complicated and that you will continue to learn more about it and how it influences matter as the lessons in this unit progress. Be sure to review the parts of the atom, how atomic structure can be drawn in two dimensions, and how electron shells are set up.
Questions to Discuss
- Do all elements have the same number of electrons? (No, atoms of two different elements may have different numbers of electrons.)
- What major discoveries about the atom have occurred in the last two centuries? (The idea that matter is made up of divisible particles called atoms; the divisible atom is made up of protons, electrons and neutrons. Refer to Activity 3 for additional discoveries.)
Things to Review
- There are differences among different types of matter.
- Each part of the atom has a specific location.
- The protons and the neutrons are bundled together in the nucleus.
- The electrons are in orbit around the nucleus.
- Each atom has orbitals (also called shells) that have a limited number of electrons.
- Once an orbital is filled, it will hold no more electrons and thus a new orbital is necessary.
- Changes in the atomic model have occurred because of scientists' discoveries.