STRUCTURE OF THE ATOM
Thomson proposed the model of an atom to be similar
to that of a Christmas pudding.
The electrons , in a sphere of positive charge. Were like
a currants(dry fruits) in a spherical Christmas pudding.
While the electrons are studded in the positively
charged sphere, like the seeds in the watermelon.
Thomson proposed that:
i) An atom consists of a positively charged sphere and
the electrons are embedded in it.
ii) The negative and positive charges are equal in
magnitude. So, the atom as a whole is electrically.
E. Goldstein discovered the presence of new radiations
in a gas Discharge and called them canal rays.
These rays were positively charged [Link] sub-
atomic particle had a charge, equal in magnitude but
opposite in sign to that of the electron. Its mass was
approximately 2000 times as that of the [Link] was
given the name of proton.
Characteristics of a proton
The two important characteristics of a proton are its
mass and charge.
Majority of the rays passes through the gold sheet, this
shows that the part from which the positively charged
alpha rays turns back is very small in size compared to
the empty space.
Sample problem 1.
Calculate the atomic number of an element whose atomic nucleus has Mass
number 23 and neutron number 12. what is the symbol of the element?
Solution We know that: Mass number = Atomic number + No. of neutrons
23 = Atomic number + 12
Atomic number = 23 - 12= 11
The element having atomic number 11 is sodium and its symbol is Na. If,
however, we indicate the atomic number and mass number also, then the
symbol become Na, where 11 is the atomic number and 23 is the mass number.
2)Helium atom has an atomic mass of 4 u and 2 protons in its nucleus. How
many neutrons does it have?
Solution
We know that atomic mass is numerically equal to mass number of an atom.
Since the helium atom has an atomic mass 4 u, therefore, the mass number of
helium atom will be 4. and the number of proton in the helium nucleus has
been given to be 2. Now,
Mass number = No. of protons + No. of neutrons
4 = 2 + No. of neutrons
no. of neutrons = 4 – 2 = 2
Thus, the helium atom has 2 neutrons.
1. The chlorine isotope Cl has a mass of 35 u and its abundance ( or proportion)
in nature is 75% 35/17
2. The chlorine isotope Cl has a mass of 37 u and its abundance ( or proportion)
in natural is 25%
Radioactive isotopes are used in industry to detect the Leakage in underground
oil Pipelines, gas pipelines and water pipe.