Atomic Structure

What is an Atom?

An atom is the basic building block of all matter and is composed of 3 principle particles: protons, neutrons and electrons. Each atom is made up of a combination of these elementary particles. Protons are positively charged and resides in the nucleus of an atom. The neutron is of a neutral charge (not positive or negative) and also resides in the nucleus of an atom. The electron is much much smaller than the proton or neutron particles, and remains outside of the nucleus surrounding the center as various energy levels.

Centrifugal Force

Since the proton and electron are attracted to one another because of their opposite charges, what is there to keep the two from crashing into one another? Well, the centrifugal force of the rotating electron around the center, or nucleus, keeps the two from colliding. The same force that works on the planets in our solar system from colliding with the sun also works within and forms the atomic structure.

What is a Molecule?

Atoms combine to create molecular structures that form various inorganic and organic substances.