- "An atom is a particle that consists of a nucleus of protons and neutrons surrounded by an electromagnetically-bound cloud of electrons."
The study of the basic structure of an atom including the protons, neutrons, and electrons that make up the nucleus.
Historical development of atomic theory: This topic covers the history of atomic theory, starting from ancient Greek philosophers to present-day scientists.
Atomic models: This topic explains various atomic models, such as Dalton's atomic model, Thomson's atomic model, Rutherford's atomic model, and Bohr's atomic model.
Fundamental particles of atoms: This topic explains the essential particles of atoms, such as protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Atomic number, mass number, and isotopes: This topic covers atomic number, mass number, and isotopes, which are crucial concepts in nuclear chemistry.
Electronic configuration: Electronic configuration is how electrons are arranged in the orbitals around an atom's nucleus.
Quantum mechanics: This topic involves understanding the principles of quantum mechanics and how they apply to the atomic structure.
Radiations and radioactivity: This topic includes understanding different types of radiations, such as alpha, beta, and gamma rays, and how they relate to radioactive processes.
Nuclear reactions: This topic covers nuclear reactions, such as fission and fusion, and their applications.
Half-life: Half-life is the time taken for half of the radioactive substance to decay. It is an essential concept in nuclear chemistry.
Nuclear energy: Nuclear energy is a form of energy that is derived from nuclear reactions. This topic covers the production and use of nuclear energy.
Nuclear medicine: Nuclear medicine involves using radioactive isotopes in medical procedures. This topic covers its applications and benefits.
Nuclear waste: Nuclear waste is a hazardous material that is generated from nuclear reactions. This topic covers the handling and disposal of nuclear waste.
Nuclear weapons: This topic covers the development and applications of nuclear weapons.
Nuclear accidents: This topic covers the major nuclear accidents that have occurred, such as Chernobyl and Fukushima.
Nuclear regulatory agencies: This topic includes the regulatory agencies that oversee nuclear power plants, nuclear waste disposal, and other nuclear-related activities.
Protons: Protons are positively charged subatomic particles that are found in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons in an atom is the atomic number, which determines the identity of the element.
Neutrons: Neutrons are neutral subatomic particles that are found in the nucleus of an atom. They help to stabilize the nucleus by balancing the positive charge of the protons.
Electrons: Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles that orbit the nucleus in shells. They are responsible for chemical reactions and bonding between atoms.
Isotopes: Isotopes are atoms that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. This can lead to differences in the atomic mass of an element.
Radioactivity: Some isotopes are unstable and will undergo radioactive decay, leading to the emission of particles and/or energy.
Nuclear fission: Nuclear fission is a process where the nucleus of an atom is split into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy.
Nuclear fusion: Nuclear fusion is a process where two or more atomic nuclei come together to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process.
Half-life: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the amount of time it takes for half of the sample to decay. This is useful for determining the age of rocks and other materials.
Nuclear reactions: Nuclear reactions involve changes in the structure of the atomic nucleus, resulting in the formation of new elements and/or the release of energy.
Nuclear energy: Nuclear energy is the energy released from the nucleus of an atom, which can be harnessed for power generation.
- "The chemical elements are distinguished from each other by the number of protons that are in their atoms."
- "Any atom that contains 11 protons is sodium, and any atom that contains 29 protons is copper."
- "The number of neutrons defines the isotope of the element."
- "Atoms are so small that accurately predicting their behavior using classical physics is not possible due to quantum effects."
- "More than 99.94% of an atom's mass is in the nucleus."
- "Each proton has a positive electric charge, while each electron has a negative charge, and the neutrons, if any are present, have no electric charge."
- "If the numbers of protons and electrons are equal, as they normally are, then the atom is electrically neutral."
- "If an atom has more electrons than protons, then it has an overall negative charge, and is called a negative ion (or anion)."
- "Conversely, if it has more protons than electrons, it has a positive charge and is called a positive ion (or cation)."
- "The electrons of an atom are attracted to the protons in an atomic nucleus by the electromagnetic force. The protons and neutrons in the nucleus are attracted to each other by the nuclear force."
- "Under certain circumstances, the repelling electromagnetic force becomes stronger than the nuclear force."
- "In this case, the nucleus splits and leaves behind different elements. This is a form of nuclear decay."
- "Atoms can attach to one or more other atoms by chemical bonds to form chemical compounds."
- "such as molecules or crystals."
- "The ability of atoms to attach and detach from each other is responsible for most of the physical changes observed in nature."
- "Chemistry is the discipline that studies these changes."