Question

comprehension questions
answer the questions below based
article about the structure of ato

1. what are the electrical charges and locations of protons, neutrons, and electrons?
2. which subatomic particles contribute to the mass of the atom (atomic mass)?
3. which subatomic particle identifies each element?
4. if an atom had 11 protons and 12 neutrons, what would its atomic mass be? show

work.

1. can you think of a reason why the electrons in outer energy levels of an atom cor

energy than electrons in lower (closer to the nucleus) energy levels? (hint: thin
electrical charges on the nucleus and on the electrons.)
mini-project: atom drawing
directions: choose three elements from the first 20 on the
periodic table.

• make a two-dimensional drawing of their structures.
• label the protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• add the electric charges by using a +, -, or small o for no

charge.
use the graphic organizer on the next page to record your
two-dimensional drawing.

Explanation:

Answer:

1. Protons: positive charge, located in the nucleus; Neutrons: no charge, located in the nucleus; Electrons: negative charge, located in electron shells around the nucleus
2. Protons and neutrons
3. Protons
4. \( 11 + 12 = 23 \)
5. Electrons in outer energy levels are farther from the positively - charged nucleus. Since opposite charges attract, electrons closer to the nucleus (lower energy levels) have a stronger attraction (lower potential energy), while outer - shell electrons have less attraction (higher potential energy) due to the distance from the nucleus.