This unit is all about what matter is made of. Once you understand atoms, everything else in
chemistry starts to make sense.
Structure of the Atom
● Proton (+) → determines element
● Neutron (0) → adds mass
● Electron (–) → responsible for bonding
● Atomic Number = protons
● Mass Number = protons + neutrons
Neutrons = mass number − atomic number
Isotopes
● Same element, different neutrons
● Same behavior, different mass
These matter in things like nuclear energy and dating old objects.