chemistry / Atomic & Molecular / free

Atomic Structure

Arrange the parts of an atom and see what defines an element.

Follow the cause1 / 3

Protons set nuclear identity. The atomic number counts protons, and changing that count creates a different element.

atom buildercarbon · neutral atom
Focus the idea
Protons define the element while electrons define chargeThe atom is carbon with 6 protons, 6 electrons, and 6 neutrons, giving charge 0 and mass number 12.p⁺ 6n⁰ 6nucleuselectron cloud
element identitycarbon · 6 p⁺
charge0
mass number12
Try an example

The element is carbon because it has 6 protons.

Changing protons changes the element. Changing electrons changes charge; changing neutrons changes the isotope without changing the element.

04 / PRACTICE

Make the chemistry yours.

0 / 3 checked

Answer from the model, then use the explanation to connect the particle picture to the chemical rule.

CHECK 1 / 3

Which particle decides the element's identity?