Atoms Study Guide

What are atoms?

Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. They are the smallest units of an element that still retain the properties of that element.

Structure of an Atom

Atoms are made up of three subatomic particles:

• Protons: Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of the atom.
• Neutrons: Neutral particles found in the nucleus of the atom.
• Electrons: Negatively charged particles found in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus.

Atomic Number and Mass Number

The atomic number of an atom is the number of protons it has. The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Study Tips

1. Memorize the first 20 elements on the periodic table, along with their symbols and atomic numbers.
2. Practice drawing the basic structure of an atom, including the nucleus and electron cloud.
3. Understand the relationship between atomic number, mass number, and the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom.
4. Review the periodic table regularly to familiarize yourself with the properties and characteristics of different elements.

[Atoms] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Atoms and Chemical BondingChemistry • High School
• Properties of atomsScience • Eighth Grade