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The structure of atoms

Although the atom is the smallest unit of a chemical element, it is still a complex system composed of a positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons orbiting in a specific orbit. The electron's charge is equal to 1.602x10-19 coulombs, and its mass is one-1837th the mass of the atom.

The number of electrons orbiting the positively charged nucleus is equal to the element's number in D.1 Mendeleev's periodic table.

Because atoms are neutral, the positive charge of the nucleus is also equal to the element's number in the periodic table.

As electrons orbit the nucleus, they form numerous electron shells within the atomic structure, each at an unequal distance from the positively charged nucleus.

Most of an element's chemical and physical properties are related to the electrons in the outer shell. The number of these electrons determines the element's ability to form any chemical compound. The number of electrons in the outer shell cannot exceed eight.