Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table | 原子结构与元素周期表

📚 Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table | 原子结构与元素周期表

Atoms are the smallest particles of an element that still retain the chemical properties of that element. The study of atomic structure and the periodic table forms the foundation of chemistry and provides a system for understanding how different substances behave.

原子是保持元素化学性质的最小粒子。原子结构和元素周期表的研究是化学的基础，为我们理解不同物质的行为方式提供了系统框架。

1. The Structure of an Atom | 原子的结构

Every atom consists of a tiny, dense central nucleus surrounded by one or more electrons. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, which are collectively known as nucleons.

每个原子由一个微小而致密的中心原子核以及环绕周围的一个或多个电子组成。原子核包含质子和中子，它们统称为核子。

Electrons move around the nucleus in regions called energy levels or shells. These shells are very large compared with the size of the nucleus, so most of the atom is empty space.

电子在称为能级或电子层的区域内围绕原子核运动。这些电子层与原子核的大小相比非常大，因此原子的大部分是空的空间。

The nucleus carries a positive charge because of its protons, while the negative electrons are attracted to it by electrostatic forces. This attraction holds the atom together.

原子核因含有质子而带正电，带负电的电子受静电力吸引而靠近原子核。这种引力使原子得以保持整体。

2. Protons, Neutrons and Electrons | 质子、中子与电子

The three main subatomic particles have different charges and masses, as shown in the table below. The relative mass of each particle is compared with the mass of a proton.

下表显示了三种主要亚原子粒子具有不同的电荷和质量。每种粒子的相对质量是相对于一个质子的质量进行比较的。