In this page we will explore some of the experiments that led to the discovery of subatomic particles and discuss the structure of the atom.
How protons, neutrons, and electron were discovered.The NucleusThe nucleus of the atom is composed of proton and neutron particles. It is understood that "opposite charges" attract and "like-charges" repel. Because the nucleus contains only "like-charged" protons there must exist a force of attraction to keep the positively charged protons together in the nucleus. Chemists predict there exists a "Nuclear Force" that works over extremely small distances (less distance than the width of an atom). When an atomic nucleus grows to a size greater than 83 (with exceptions) the nucleus will break apart naturally giving off what we call radiation. This radiation is exhibited in several forms one being "alpha-particles" and can potentially change the element (by changing the number of protons in the nucleus) in what is known as half-life.
History of the AtomThe development of atomic theory is a story that dates back to the ancient philosophers of Greece. To better understand this theory I have devoted an entire page to its story that you can explore by clicking on the button below.
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The Parts of the AtomThe atom is composed of three subatomic particles:
Basic Parts of the Atom - Protons, Neutrons, Electrons, NucleusThe mass of a proton is nearly the same as the mass of a neutron. but... the mass of proton (or neutron) is about 2000 times LARGER than the mass of an ELECTRON!!!
IsotopesIsotopes are atoms of the same element (same number of protons) with a different mass (different number of neutrons.
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