Atoms are the smallest particles of matter that make up everything, with elements consisting of only one type of atom and compounds comprising different types of atoms. Atoms consist of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, with electrons orbiting around it, and the atomic number denotes the number of protons in the nucleus. Understanding electrons is crucial for grasping the principles of electricity.

1. Atoms
What are they and what do
they do?

2. What are atoms?
• Atoms are the smallest particles of matter
• Atoms make up everything around us
• Molecules are combinations of atoms
• Elements are only one type of atom
• Compounds are made up of different types of atoms
Hydrogen
Water
Gas
2 Dan Kelly - Magic of Electrons - PLTW - Atoms

3. Atoms vs. Elements
What is the difference between atoms and elements?
Atoms make up elements.
To be an element, it can ONLY have ONE type of atom.
The terms are often used interchangeably.
For example, the Periodic Table of the Elements could also be
written as the …
Periodic Table of Different Types of Atoms.
3 Dan Kelly - Magic of Electrons - PLTW - Atoms

4. Let’s Recap
What is an atom?
• Atoms are the smallest particles of matter.
What is an element?
• Elements are made up of only one type of atom.
What is a molecule?
• Molecules are combinations of atoms.
What is a compound?
Compounds are made up of different types of atoms.
What are some examples of these?
4 Dan Kelly - Magic of Electrons - PLTW - Atoms

5. Components of an Atom
What makes up an atom?
At the center of all atoms is the
Nucleus.
The nucleus contains protons
and neutrons.
Protons: (+)
Positively charged atomic particles
Neutrons:
Uncharged (neutral) atomic particles
5 Dan Kelly - Magic of Electrons - PLTW - Atoms

6. Components of an Atom
What makes up an atom?
Orbiting around the nucleus are the
electrons.
Electrons: (-)
Negatively charged atomic
particles
Nature prefers balance so if a
particle is positively charged, it
will attract negatively charged
particles and vice-versa.
6 Dan Kelly - Magic of Electrons - PLTW - Atoms

7. Components of an Atom
Recap
Where would you find the following parts of an
atom and what is its charge?
Protons:
In the center of the atom
Positive charge
Neutrons:
In the center of the atom
Uncharged
Electrons:
Orbiting the atom
Negative charge
7 Dan Kelly - Magic of Electrons - PLTW - Atoms

8. Atomic Number
The atomic number is equal to the
number of protons in the nucleus
of an atom.
The atomic number identifies
the element.
How many protons are in
this nucleus?
(assume the protons are red)
8 Dan Kelly - Magic of Electrons - PLTW - Atoms

9. Periodic Table of Elements
NASA
Which element has 4 protons?
9 Dan Kelly - Magic of Electrons - PLTW - Atoms

10. Electrons
This course is titled “Magic of Electrons” and we
will focus mainly on the electrons present in an atom.
Why?
It is important to understand how and why electrons move in
order to understand how electricity works.
In the coming presentations we will cover the importance of
electrons and their importance.
10 Dan Kelly - Magic of Electrons - PLTW - Atoms