Here are the highlights from Friday’s discussion on the nature of atoms that you should know in case there’s a *hint hint wink wink* surprise check up on Monday…
- Atoms are made of protons, neutrons and electrons.
- Protons and Neutrons compose the nucleus of an atom.
- Electrons are found in orbit (shells) around that nucleus.
- Protons are positively charged, neutrons are neutral and electrons are negatively charged.
- An element’s atomic number on the periodic table is usually found at the top of the element’s square and is equal to the number of protons (hydrogen = 1, oxygen = 8).
- An elements atomic mass is the average number of protons and neutrons for an element. So, they usually have decimal points and are found at the bottom of an element’s square on the periodic table.
- Hydrogen is the only element that does not (normally) have a neutron and is the most abundant atom in the universe.
Check out the awesome PTable.com if you need some practice or a good online periodic table.
Also check out Jefferson Lab’s Atom Tour for a good refresher.
**Extra Credit Alert** +5 test points if you post an update to your blog describing the number of protons, neutrons and electrons, atomic number and atomic mass for any element (besides hydrogen). You have until 8 PM Sunday August 29, 2010 EST.
I don’t do many extra credit chances, so make good use of it 
Otherwise, have a great weekend and let me know if you have any questions!
I did my extra credit!
I attempted mine!
I did it too.
I just did my extra credit too!