Submitted by: Submitted by brandyducote
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Date Submitted: 04/28/2016 07:18 AM
Brandy Ducote
2/22/16
Chemistry 1010 Do1
An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains all of the chemical properties of an element. An atom is a sphere shaped ball of matter which makes up an element. An atom cannot be split up, it is impossible. Atoms combine to form molecules, and molecules make gases, solids and liquids .For example water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen atoms that have combined to form water molecules. In an atom there are three particles protons, electrons and neutrons, and a nucleus (the center). And in the atom the electrons surround the nucleus and are always in constant motion. The nucleus contains the protons and neutrons. Protons and neutrons have almost the same mass. Protons and electrons have electrical charges. With the protons having positive charge and electrons have a negative charge. Neutrons are neutral. Electrons are arranged in shells around the nucleus. Different electrons with different energy levels are arranged in these shells. Electrons in higher energy levels tend to have more energy and tend to be located farther away from the nucleus than electrons in lower energy levels. The number of protons and electrons are always the same in the atom. The number of protons is called the atomic number. This number is how atoms are arranged in the periodic table. Back to electrons the innermost shell (the first shell) is filled first. This shell can only hold two electrons then it is full. The second shell can hold up to eight electrons. And the third shell can hold up to eight electrons. Atoms like to give and receive atoms. Every atom wants to be a noble gas. Noble gases are “happy” their outer shell is completely full. Electrons can form stable electron configuration in three ways. First, losing electrons which would give the electron a positive charge. Second, sharing electrons. Third, gaining electrons, which would give the electron a negative charge. Atoms that have gained or lost electrons and are no longer...