Atomic Structure and Particles: A Comprehensive Guide
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243
11
Keira Bains
9/27/2025
Chemistry
Atoms
4,645
•
Sep 27, 2025
•
Keira Bains
@keirakaurr
Atomic Structure and Particles: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide provides... Show more
This section explores the visual representation of atomic structure and the use of nuclear symbols to convey important information about elements.
A typical structure of atom diagram includes:
Highlight: The electron shells are not to scale in most diagrams, as they would be much larger relative to the nucleus in reality.
Nuclear symbols provide a concise way to represent the composition of an atom's nucleus.
Definition: A nuclear symbol is a shorthand notation that shows the number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
The format of a nuclear symbol is:
A
X
Z
Where:
Example: The nuclear symbol for sodium is:
23
Na
11
This symbol indicates that sodium has 11 protons and 12 neutrons .
Grasping the concepts of atomic structure is crucial for students in various science classes, from Class 7 through Class 10 and beyond. It forms the foundation for understanding chemical reactions, periodic trends, and more advanced topics in chemistry and physics.
Highlight: Knowledge of atomic structure is essential for comprehending how elements combine to form compounds and how chemical reactions occur.
By mastering these concepts, students will be well-prepared to tackle more complex topics in chemistry and physics, making this guide an invaluable resource for those studying atomic structure KS3 or preparing for higher-level courses.
Atoms are the building blocks of all matter, including living things. They are incredibly small, beyond the reach of even powerful microscopes. Each atom is composed of three main types of particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Definition: An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.
The nucleus is the dense central core of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.
Highlight: The nucleus contains nearly all of the atom's mass and has a positive charge due to the presence of protons.
Vocabulary: Protons are subatomic particles with a positive electric charge.
Example: The term "neutron" comes from "neutral," reflecting its lack of electric charge.
Highlight: Electrons are much smaller than protons and neutrons but occupy a large space around the nucleus.
In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, resulting in an overall neutral charge.
Definition: The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus.
To determine the number of neutrons in an atom:
Example: For sodium with mass number 23 and atomic number 11, the number of neutrons is 23 - 11 = 12.
Ions are atoms or groups of atoms that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net electric charge.
Definition: An ion is an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
Example: An ion with a charge of -2 has two more electrons than protons.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Keira Bains
@keirakaurr
Atomic Structure and Particles: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide provides an in-depth look at atomic structure, covering the fundamental particles that make up atoms, their properties, and how they interact. It explores the concept of atomic charge, the structure... Show more
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This section explores the visual representation of atomic structure and the use of nuclear symbols to convey important information about elements.
A typical structure of atom diagram includes:
Highlight: The electron shells are not to scale in most diagrams, as they would be much larger relative to the nucleus in reality.
Nuclear symbols provide a concise way to represent the composition of an atom's nucleus.
Definition: A nuclear symbol is a shorthand notation that shows the number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
The format of a nuclear symbol is:
A
X
Z
Where:
Example: The nuclear symbol for sodium is:
23
Na
11
This symbol indicates that sodium has 11 protons and 12 neutrons .
Grasping the concepts of atomic structure is crucial for students in various science classes, from Class 7 through Class 10 and beyond. It forms the foundation for understanding chemical reactions, periodic trends, and more advanced topics in chemistry and physics.
Highlight: Knowledge of atomic structure is essential for comprehending how elements combine to form compounds and how chemical reactions occur.
By mastering these concepts, students will be well-prepared to tackle more complex topics in chemistry and physics, making this guide an invaluable resource for those studying atomic structure KS3 or preparing for higher-level courses.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Atoms are the building blocks of all matter, including living things. They are incredibly small, beyond the reach of even powerful microscopes. Each atom is composed of three main types of particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Definition: An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.
The nucleus is the dense central core of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.
Highlight: The nucleus contains nearly all of the atom's mass and has a positive charge due to the presence of protons.
Vocabulary: Protons are subatomic particles with a positive electric charge.
Example: The term "neutron" comes from "neutral," reflecting its lack of electric charge.
Highlight: Electrons are much smaller than protons and neutrons but occupy a large space around the nucleus.
In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, resulting in an overall neutral charge.
Definition: The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus.
To determine the number of neutrons in an atom:
Example: For sodium with mass number 23 and atomic number 11, the number of neutrons is 23 - 11 = 12.
Ions are atoms or groups of atoms that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net electric charge.
Definition: An ion is an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
Example: An ion with a charge of -2 has two more electrons than protons.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Explore the fundamentals of atomic structure, including subatomic particles, electron configurations, and the organization of the periodic table. This summary covers key concepts such as atomic bonding, states of matter, and the distinction between elements, compounds, and mixtures. Ideal for students studying Chemistry and Biology.
Explore the fundamental concepts of atomic structure and ion formation in this GCSE chemistry summary. Learn about protons, neutrons, electrons, and how atoms become ions through the loss or gain of electrons. Ideal for students seeking clarity on cations and the balance of charges within atoms.
Explore the fundamentals of covalent bonding, including the formation of covalent bonds, types of substances created, and their structural characteristics. This summary covers key concepts such as simple molecular substances, giant covalent structures, and provides visual aids like dot and cross diagrams. Ideal for students studying chemical bonding.
Explore the fundamentals of atomic structure, including subatomic particles, elements, and compounds. Learn techniques for separating mixtures such as filtration, crystallization, and distillation. This summary covers key concepts in atomic theory and the development of the atomic model, ideal for students preparing for exams.
Explore the fundamentals of atomic structure and bonding, including atomic numbers, mass numbers, ionic and covalent bonds, and the periodic table. This summary covers key concepts essential for understanding chemical properties and compound formation. Ideal for chemistry students preparing for exams.
Explore the characteristics of simple molecular compounds, including their low melting and boiling points, lack of electrical conductivity, and the role of covalent bonds versus weak intermolecular forces. This summary is essential for GCSE Chemistry students studying molecular structure and properties.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user