Atomic Structure (Ch.2): subatomic particles, isotopes, and electron configuration

Atomic Structure refers to the composition and arrangement of subatomic particles within an atom. The subatomic particles that make up an atom are protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus of the atom, while electrons are found in the electron shells or orbitals surrounding the nucleus. The number of protons in an atom determines the element that it represents, while the number of neutrons can vary within an element, resulting in isotopes. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, which can affect the atom's stability and reactivity. Electron configuration refers to the arrangement of electrons within an atom's shells or orbitals, which determine an atom's chemical properties and behavior. The electrons in the outermost shell, called the valence shell, are particularly important in chemical reactions as they interact with other atoms.