Learn: Atomic Structure

Welcome!Today we'll explore Atomic Structure, a key topic in Chemistry. This forms the foundation of understanding atoms, isotopes, and how we measure atomic masses.

What is Atomic Structure?Atomic structure refers to the arrangement of subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons) in an atom. It explains how atoms are built and why they behave the way they do in chemical reactions.

Proton Number and Mass NumberThe proton number (atomic number) is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. It defines the element. The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons, showing the atom's overall mass.

IsotopesIsotopes are atoms of the same element with the same proton number but different numbers of neutrons. This means they have different mass numbers but behave similarly in chemical reactions.

TOF Mass SpectrometryTime of Flight (TOF) mass spectrometry is a method to measure the mass of particles. It works by ionising a sample, accelerating ions, and measuring their time to reach a detector. Heavy ions take longer, while lighter ions move faster.

Mass Spectra InterpretationThe output of a mass spectrometer is a mass spectrum. Peaks on the graph represent the relative abundance of isotopes, and their position indicates the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z).

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about atomic structure, proton and mass numbers, isotopes, TOF mass spectrometry, and mass spectra. Now let's test your understanding with a few questions.