10. An atom consists of three particles: the proton (positive charge), the neutron (no charge) and the electron (negative charge). The neutrons and protons clump together in a compact ball (nucleus), and electrons form a �cloud� around the nucleus as they travel around it at high speeds. Particles of opposite charges attract one another. If there are a certain number of a type of particle in an atom, for instance, if there are many electrons, this atom attracts atoms with fewer electrons. This determines the tendencies of a particular type of atom.
11. Ionic bonding occurs with two atoms when one atom gives up an electron to another and forming a bond, and covalent bonding occurs when two atoms share electrons to form a bond. Ionic bonding is to giving away as covalent bonding is to sharing. Covalent compounds are diverse because they can form bonds with many atoms.
12. The carbon atom is essential to organic life because it has a stable number electrons, 8, and so forms long and complicated chains with other atoms and itself necessary for life forms. |
