5.1 Composition of the Atomic Nucleus

5.1 Composition of the Atomic Nucleus

Explanation:

The atomic nucleus is the dense, central core of an atom, made up of two types of subatomic particles: protons and neutrons, collectively known as nucleons. Protons carry a positive electric charge, while neutrons are electrically neutral. The number of protons (atomic number) defines the element, while the total number of nucleons (mass number) determines the isotope.

Key Concepts:

• Proton: A positively charged particle within the nucleus.
• Neutron: A neutral particle within the nucleus.
• Nucleon: A collective term for protons and neutrons.
• Isotope: Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Example Problem:

Problem: Determine the number of protons, neutrons, and nucleons in an atom of Carbon-14.

Solution:

• Carbon-14 has 6 protons (as all carbon atoms do) and 8 neutrons (14 - 6 = 8).
• Therefore, Carbon-14 has 14 nucleons (6 protons + 8 neutrons).