Atoms Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Atoms?
Atoms are the building blocks of all matter, and they have fascinated scientists since their discovery. An atom is composed of a nucleus which contains protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons orbiting in shells or energy levels. The number of protons determines an element’s identity for example, hydrogen has one proton and oxygen has eight. Atoms may bond together to form molecules or interact with other atoms in chemical reactions. Atomic theory originated in ancient Greek times when philosophers attempted to explain the structure of matter. In the 19th century John Dalton proposed his atomic theory that states atoms are indivisible particles that make up all substances; however, this idea was largely rejected at first until further evidence led to its acceptance around 1860s. Since then it was amended several times as new information became available. Today we use atomic theory to understand many aspects of chemistry such as stoichiometry (the study of how elements combine), kinetics (the study of reaction rates) and thermodynamics (the study of energy changes). Atomic Theory also informs us about atomic structure and enables us to predict properties like boiling points for different elements, radioactivity, isotopes etc.. Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission reactions based on Einstein’s famous equation E=mc2 which showed how mass can be converted into energy through splitting atoms apart. Thanks to advances in technology over the last few decades quantum mechanics allow us to probe even deeper into the inner workings of an atom such as determining electron configurations around nuclei using lasers or magnetic fields. This has proven invaluable for understanding areas like catalysis where we need detailed knowledge about how chemicals interact with each other at an atomic level.