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Understanding Atomic Structure and Its Particles: Easy Notes for Kids

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Keira Bains

9/27/2025

Chemistry

Atoms

4,645

Sep 27, 2025

2 pages

Understanding Atomic Structure and Its Particles: Easy Notes for Kids

user profile picture

Keira Bains

@keirakaurr

Atomic Structure and Particles: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides... Show more

# ATOMS

- all living things are made from atoms they're really tiny
and too small to be seen (even with a microscope).
- each atom is made

Atomic Structure Diagram and Nuclear Symbols

This section explores the visual representation of atomic structure and the use of nuclear symbols to convey important information about elements.

Structure of an Atom Diagram

A typical structure of atom diagram includes:

  • The nucleus at the center, containing protons and neutrons
  • Electron shells surrounding the nucleus, representing the orbits of electrons

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

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:

  • X is the element symbol
  • A is the mass number protons+neutronsprotons + neutrons
  • Z is the atomic number (number of protons)

Example: The nuclear symbol for sodium is:

  23
Na
  11

This symbol indicates that sodium has 11 protons and 12 neutrons 2311=1223 - 11 = 12.

Importance of Understanding Atomic Structure

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

- all living things are made from atoms they're really tiny
and too small to be seen (even with a microscope).
- each atom is made

Atoms and Their Fundamental Particles

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

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.

Protons

  • Positively charged particles
  • Located in the nucleus
  • Have a relative mass of 1

Vocabulary: Protons are subatomic particles with a positive electric charge.

Neutrons

  • Neutral particles (no charge)
  • Located in the nucleus alongside protons
  • Have a relative mass of 1

Example: The term "neutron" comes from "neutral," reflecting its lack of electric charge.

Electrons

  • Negatively charged particles
  • Orbit the nucleus in electron shells
  • Have a negligible mass (relative mass of 0)

Highlight: Electrons are much smaller than protons and neutrons but occupy a large space around the nucleus.

Atomic Structure and Charge

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.

Calculating Particles

To determine the number of neutrons in an atom:

  1. Identify the mass number (total protons and neutrons)
  2. Subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number

Example: For sodium NaNa with mass number 23 and atomic number 11, the number of neutrons is 23 - 11 = 12.

Ions: Charged Atoms

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.



We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

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.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

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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

 

Chemistry

4,645

Sep 27, 2025

2 pages

Understanding Atomic Structure and Its Particles: Easy Notes for Kids

user profile picture

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

# ATOMS

- all living things are made from atoms they're really tiny
and too small to be seen (even with a microscope).
- each atom is made

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Atomic Structure Diagram and Nuclear Symbols

This section explores the visual representation of atomic structure and the use of nuclear symbols to convey important information about elements.

Structure of an Atom Diagram

A typical structure of atom diagram includes:

  • The nucleus at the center, containing protons and neutrons
  • Electron shells surrounding the nucleus, representing the orbits of electrons

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

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:

  • X is the element symbol
  • A is the mass number protons+neutronsprotons + neutrons
  • Z is the atomic number (number of protons)

Example: The nuclear symbol for sodium is:

  23
Na
  11

This symbol indicates that sodium has 11 protons and 12 neutrons 2311=1223 - 11 = 12.

Importance of Understanding Atomic Structure

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

- all living things are made from atoms they're really tiny
and too small to be seen (even with a microscope).
- each atom is made

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Atoms and Their Fundamental Particles

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

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.

Protons

  • Positively charged particles
  • Located in the nucleus
  • Have a relative mass of 1

Vocabulary: Protons are subatomic particles with a positive electric charge.

Neutrons

  • Neutral particles (no charge)
  • Located in the nucleus alongside protons
  • Have a relative mass of 1

Example: The term "neutron" comes from "neutral," reflecting its lack of electric charge.

Electrons

  • Negatively charged particles
  • Orbit the nucleus in electron shells
  • Have a negligible mass (relative mass of 0)

Highlight: Electrons are much smaller than protons and neutrons but occupy a large space around the nucleus.

Atomic Structure and Charge

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.

Calculating Particles

To determine the number of neutrons in an atom:

  1. Identify the mass number (total protons and neutrons)
  2. Subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number

Example: For sodium NaNa with mass number 23 and atomic number 11, the number of neutrons is 23 - 11 = 12.

Ions: Charged Atoms

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.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

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.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

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