This document provides an overview of atomic structure and components, including the nucleus, protons, neutrons, and electrons. It explains atomic and mass numbers, energy levels, electronic configuration, and chemical symbols, along with examples of common elements. Additionally, it includes engaging activities like quizzes and atom modeling to reinforce learning.

1. Atomic Structure: Building Blocks
of Matter

2. Introduction to Atoms
• Atoms are the fundamental building units of
matter
• Discovered by New Zealand scientist
Rutherford
• Rutherford found that the nucleus contains
positively charged protons

3. Parts of an Atom
• • Nucleus: The central core of the atom
• • Electrons: Particles that orbit around the
nucleus
• [Image: Simple diagram of an atom with
labeled nucleus and electrons]

4. The Nucleus
• Location: Center of the atom
• Charge: Positive
• Contains:
• • Protons: Positively charged particles (+1)
• • Neutrons: Electrically neutral particles (0)
• Most of the atom's mass is in the nucleus

5. Electrons
• Orbit around the nucleus at high speed
• Negatively charged particles (-1)
• Very small mass compared to protons and
neutrons
• Number of electrons equals number of
protons in a neutral atom
• [Image: Illustration of electrons orbiting
nucleus]

6. Atomic Number and Mass Number
• • Atomic Number: Number of protons in the
nucleus
• • Mass Number: Sum of protons and neutrons
in the nucleus
• Written as: Mass Number / Atomic Number
Element
• Example: 35 / 17 Cl

7. Energy Levels
• Imaginary regions where electrons move
around the nucleus
• Maximum of seven energy levels in the largest
atoms
• Levels are labeled K, L, M, N, O, P, Q (or 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7)
• [Image: Diagram of atom with multiple energy
levels]

8. Electronic Configuration
• Each energy level can hold a specific number
of electrons
• Formula for first four levels: 2n² (n = level
number)
• Electrons fill lower energy levels first
• Example: K (2), L (8), M (18), N (32)

9. Electronic Configuration Example
• Let's distribute electrons for 35 / 17 Cl:
• • 17 electrons total
• • K: 2 electrons
• • L: 8 electrons
• • M: 7 electrons
• [Image: Chlorine atom with electron
distribution]

10. Chemical Symbols
• • One-letter symbols: Always capitalized (H, O,
N)
• • Two-letter symbols: First letter capitalized,
second lowercase (He, Cl, Ca)
• • Some symbols come from Latin names (Na
for Sodium, K for Potassium)

11. Common Elements and Their
Symbols
• Hydrogen: H, Oxygen: O, Carbon: C, Nitrogen:
N, Chlorine: Cl, Helium: He
• [Image: Periodic table highlighting these
elements]

12. Latin-derived Symbols
• • Sodium: Natrium, Na
• • Potassium: Kalium, K
• • Iron: Ferrum, Fe

13. Fun Fact: Element Hunt
• Can you find these elements around you?
• - Oxygen (in the air)
• - Carbon (in pencils)
• - Sodium (in salt)
• - Calcium (in chalk)
• [Image: Collage of everyday items containing
these elements]

14. Quick Quiz
• • What is the building block of matter?
• • Name the three main parts of an atom.
• • What does the atomic number represent?
• [Image: Question mark or thinking emoji]

15. Review Game: Atomic Assembly
• In groups, create a model of an atom using
household items:
• • Nucleus: A ball or fruit
• • Protons: Red buttons or beads
• • Neutrons: White buttons or beads
• • Electrons: Small blue stickers or pins
• [Image: Example of a creative atom model
made from everyday objects]