Atomic Structure - help needed

In summary, an atom is the smallest unit of matter that contains the properties of an element and is composed of a nucleus and electrons. The atomic structure refers to the arrangement of subatomic particles within an atom, including the nucleus and electron cloud. The number of protons can be determined by the atomic number, while the number of neutrons can be calculated by subtracting the atomic number from the atomic mass. The number of electrons is equal to the number of protons in a neutral atom. The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus, while the atomic mass is the total number of protons and neutrons. Electrons are shown in orbitals rather than a specific path because they do not follow a specific path around the
  • #1
liaminho
6
0
I need help with these two questions:

1. Electron diffraction can be used to investigate both the arrangement of atoms and the dimensions of nuclei. Explain how changing the energy of the electrons can be used to achieve this.

And...

2. Uranium has atomic number 92. Two of its common isotopes have nucleon numbers 235 and 238. How many neutrons are there in a nucleus of each of these isotopes?
 
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  • #2
Actually, ignore question 2. I can do that one :)
 
  • #3

What is an atom?

An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element. It is composed of a nucleus, containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.

What is the atomic structure?

The atomic structure refers to the arrangement of subatomic particles within an atom. This includes the nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons, and the electron cloud, where electrons are found.

How do you determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom?

The number of protons is equal to the atomic number of an element, which can be found on the periodic table. The number of neutrons can be calculated by subtracting the atomic number from the atomic mass. The number of electrons is equal to the number of protons in a neutral atom.

What is the difference between atomic number and atomic mass?

The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus, while the atomic mass is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. The atomic mass can also be thought of as the average mass of all the isotopes of an element.

Why are electrons shown in orbitals rather than a specific path?

Electrons do not follow a specific path around the nucleus, as was previously believed. Instead, they are found in orbitals, which are regions of space where electrons are most likely to be found. These orbitals are based on the energy levels of the electrons.

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