Structure of an Atom

Nucleus: The heavy positively charged central part of the atom, consisting of neutrons and protons

Neutron: The heavy neutral particles in the nucleus that behaves like a combination of a proton and an electron, electrically neutral

Proton: The heavy positively charged particles in the nucleus

Electron: The smallest negatively charged particles which are practically weightless, circles the nucleus in an orbit


Bound electron: Electrons in an orbit in an atom. These electrons are held on place by two forces

• Magnetic energy: The attraction of the negatively charged electron to the positively charged nucleus
  
  
  
• Kinetic energy: Stop the electrons from recombining with nucleus (centrifugal force)
  
  
  

Valance Shell: The outermost orbit of an atom

Valance Electron: Electron in the valance shell

Electrical stability: The closer the valance shell is to the nucleus the more stable the atom

Free Electron: Electrons that have left their orbit in an atom and are wandering freely though a material

Positive Ion: An atom with a deficiency of electrons

Negative Ion: An atom with a surplus of electrons