Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons, crucial for defining the chemical properties of elements. The periodic table organizes elements by these properties, and the gain or loss of electrons by atoms leads to ionization, creating ions with net electrical charges.
Structure of Atoms
Atoms are the fundamental building blocks of matter, each composed of subatomic particles. The central nucleus contains protons, which have a positive charge, and neutrons, which have no charge. Surrounding the nucleus are electrons, bearing a negative charge. The force of attraction between the positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons provides structural stability to the atom.
Chemical Elements and Ionization
Each element has a unique number of protons known as its atomic number. Atoms with the same number of protons and electrons are electrically neutral. However, an atom can lose or gain electrons, thus becoming an ion. This process is known as ionization, and ions carry a net positive or negative charge.
The Periodic Table
The periodic table is an organized chart of all known elements based on their atomic number. Elements on the periodic table show periodic trends in properties like electronegativity and ionization energies. The formation of molecules through the sharing or transfer of electrons between atoms involves these chemical properties.