MYP Physics Atomic Structure, Particles, Charges and Masses Key Definitions

The smallest unit of an element that retains the element’s chemical properties; it consists of a nucleus (protons and neutrons) with electrons around it.

A property of matter that can be positive or negative and causes electrical interactions (attraction or repulsion) between objects.

A fundamental particle with a negative electric charge of $-1.6\times 10^{-19}\,\text{C}$ and a very small mass of $9.1\times 10^{-31}\,\text{kg}$.

A force of attraction or repulsion between electric charges.

An ion is a charged atom formed by the gain or loss of electrons.

A particle in the nucleus with no net charge and a mass about $1.67\times 10^{-27}\,\text{kg}$.

The plum pudding model describes the atom as a positively charged sphere with negatively charged electrons spread throughout it.

A particle in the nucleus with positive electric charge $+1.6\times 10^{-19}\,\text{C}$ and a mass about $1.67\times 10^{-27}\,\text{kg}$.