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← 1.1 Structure of the atom

The proton: positive, in the nucleus

Integrated Science · Grade 9 · about 40 minutes

A proton has charge +1, sits in the nucleus, and has relative mass about 1. The proton count tells you which element you have.

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  • 7 sections of explanation, worked examples and diagrams
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Other lessons in this sub-strand

  1. Atom, element and particle
  2. The proton: positive, in the nucleus
  3. The neutron: no charge, in the nucleus
  4. The electron: negative, on shells
  5. The nucleus is protons plus neutrons
  6. Atomic number Z is the number of protons
  7. Mass number A is protons plus neutrons
  8. In a neutral atom, electrons equal protons
  9. Energy levels fill 2, then 8, then 8, then 2
  10. Arrangements of carbon, oxygen, sodium and chlorine
  11. Dot diagrams: nucleus, rings, then dots
  12. Metals: few outer electrons
  13. Non-metals: more outer electrons, or a full shell
  14. Practise the first 20: hydrogen to calcium