ICSE Class 8 Chemistry
ICSE Class 8 Chemistry
Learning Outcomes
Children will be able to :
describe that an atom consists of electrons, protons and
neutrons,
define atomic number and mass number;
discuss valency of elements and radicals with respect to the
atoms combining with one atom of the element. number of hydrogen
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indivisible. The important p0ints
the Greek language, meaning
as :
atomic theory are stated of Dalt
NOTES Matter consists of small indivisible particles, called
Stn Po
Fig. 4.2 : Nucleus small space within the atomconcentrated in a very very
Rutherford's experiment charged. This explains the (nucleus) and it is positively
some positively charged deviation and rebounding of
DID YOU KNOW? " The atom is alpha particles.
size of nucleusalmost empty
is almost from within, such that the
Alpha particles are helium ions overall size of an atom. negligible as compared to the
(He). They can penetrate " The electrons
through matter. They are revolve around the nucleus at a
emitted by radioactive elements speed and hence, do not fall into it. very high
such as radium and polonium. " In an atom,
the
the number of number of protons is always equal to
is electrically electrons as the atom of any
element
an atom to a neutral. fact, he compared model of
In
miniature solar system.
Rutherford's atomic model provided a reasonable view of
However, it failed to explain the position of atoms.
each other and the positively electrons with respect to
charged nucleus.
Assumption and discovery of neutron
Till now, we know that the mass of an atom is
its protons and the electrons have practically concentrated within
negligible mass. Thus, atomic
mass of an element should be equal to the mass of its
protons.
However, when the number of protons was calculated experimentally
within the atom, it was found out that mass of the protons was far less
than the atomic mass, calculated experimentally.
This difference in the mass was explained by saying that within an
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almost the same mass
atom, are particles present having particles were named as
but no electric charge. These unknown
proton,
In 1932. James Chadwick discovered
cONSTITUTION OF NUCLEUS OF AN ATOM
neutron.
neutrons Bou
elect
inne
STZNEJ9KDI
According to Rutherford, an atom is almost anempty space, in
containing all the
neutrons.centrHe
protons and
of which is a tiny space
the atom.
called this space nucleus of
In the nucleus of the atom the protons are held So closely that the
attracting the protons, no matter
forces at short distance start the positive
them. These forces at short
charges on them try to repel
called nuclear forces. As a
matter of fact there is an equilibriumdistance are
the attraction due tonuclear forces and
repulsion due to positive
betweer
Thus, following conclusions can be drawn about the nucleus of ancharges
aton:
() The entire mass of an atom is provided by the mass of the
and neutrons within its nucleus, as the electronss have negligible protons
(il The entire positive charge on the nucleus is due to the number of
mass.
charges on individual protons.
(iii) Anucleus is stable in nature because the attraction due to nuclear
forces counterbalances the repulsion due to positive charges.
(iv) Protons and neutrons are collectively called nucleons. For
ifthere are 4 protons and 4 neutrons in the nucleus of an atom theo example,
the number of nucleons is equal to 8.