Final answer:
The basic atomic structures consist of a nucleus made of protons and neutrons, with electrons orbiting the nucleus. The atomic number determines the position on the periodic table. Models like the Rutherford or planetary model help visualize the atomic structure, while the periodic table reflects electron arrangement influencing chemical properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic structures of an atom include protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons (positively charged) and neutrons (neutral) are located in the nucleus, which is the core of an atom. Surrounding the nucleus are electrons (negatively charged), which orbit in space around it. The number of protons in the nucleus, known as the atomic number (Z), is crucial as it identifies the element on the periodic table.
Models such as the Rutherford model and the planetary model provide visualizations of these subatomic particles. The Rutherford model posits that a central nucleus is surrounded by electrons. Although the planetary model suggests electrons travel in fixed orbits, the reality is more complex, with electrons moving in an 'electron cloud,' erratically zipping around the nucleus. On the periodic table, elements are arranged by increasing atomic number which determines the chemical properties of the element. The arrangement also indicates the distribution of electrons in shells and subshells, influencing reactivity and bonding characteristics. This atomic arrangement is not only instrumental in understanding the nature of chemical reactions but is also vital for grasping atomic interactions and the periodic nature of the elements.