An atom is made up of a small, dense nucleus surrounded by electrons. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, with protons determining the element. Electrons orbit the nucleus in defined energy levels or shells, with the number of electrons determining the chemical properties of the element. Understanding the structure of atoms helped scientists better explain chemical reactions and properties of matter.
An atom is made up of a small, dense nucleus surrounded by electrons. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, with protons determining the element. Electrons orbit the nucleus in defined energy levels or shells, with the number of electrons determining the chemical properties of the element. Understanding the structure of atoms helped scientists better explain chemical reactions and properties of matter.