The Modern Model of the Atom

The atom is the smallest unit of an element that still behaves like the entire element, but that's not to say that the smaller parts do not exist.

Rutherford showed that every atom's mass is concentrated in its nucleus, and if we zoom into the nucleus, we see a whole new world within it.

The Nucleus of an Atom

An unstable nucleus can release:

• Alpha particle (a) : fast moving helium nucleus( two protons fused together)
• Beta particle (b) : this is a fast moving electron formed when a neutron from an unstable nucleus turns into proton and an electron.
• Gamma rays(c): energy accompanying for example the release of neutrons