Chemistry › Section B · Atoms, molecules, and ions › Topic B.2
Atomic structure, isotopes, and symbols
Three numbers tell you almost everything about an atom: how many protons, neutrons and electrons it holds. Chemists pack all three into one short symbol, and from the mix of isotopes in nature they work out the atomic masses printed on every periodic table.
In this topic
- A tiny nucleus in a cloud of electrons
- The three particles
- Atomic number and mass number
- Ions: when electrons do not match protons
- Chemical symbols
- Isotope notation
- Worked example: counting particles
- Average atomic mass
- Worked example: the atomic mass of silver
- Worked example: abundances from the average
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
This topic is part of Wuanberri Pro. Checking your access…