Abstract
This chapter describes the basic features of matter which is made of atoms. An atom has a nucleus consisting of protons and neutrons at the center and electrons orbiting around it balancing the charge of protons. The characteristics of protons and neutrons are discussed. The properties of elements are explained by the electronic and nuclear configuration. While chemical bond formation in molecules is explained by the electronic configuration, the nuclear structure dictates the atomic stability and radioactive decay.
Keywords
Atomic structure Nuclear structure Chemical bonds Nuclear stabilitySuggested Reading
- Cherry SR, Sorensen JA, Phelps ME. Physics in nuclear medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2012.Google Scholar
- Friedlander G, Kennedy JW, Macias ES, Miller JM. Nuclear and radiochemistry. 3rd ed. New York: Wiley; 1981.Google Scholar
- Los Alamos National Laboratory website (URL: http://periodic.lanl.gov/index.shtml).
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