Structure of the atom

Build an atom

Build an atom with protons, neutrons and electrons, and see how the element, charge and mass change, then play to test your ideas!

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Estructura de un átomo

What does an atom look like? Atomic models are representative "pictures" that help us understand what an atom looks like. Historically, there have been many atomic models.

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Electrons configuration

The electrons configuration of an atom refers to the arrangement of the atom's electrons. The electrons fill the lowest energy levels first.

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Bohr's atomic model

In Bohr's atomic model the electrons are placed in stable circular orbits around the nucleus. The atom has only certain energy levels. Electrons change energy levels by emitting or absorbing photons.

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Atomic interactions

Explore the interactions between various combinations of two atoms. Observe the total force acting on the atoms or the attractive or repulsive force separately. Customize the attraction to see how the interaction is affected by changing the atomic diameter and interaction strength.

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Isotopes and atomic mass

Are all atoms of an element the same? How can you tell one isotope from another? Use the simulator to learn about isotopes and how abundance relates to the average atomic mass of an element.