This document defines atoms, elements, and compounds. Atoms are the building blocks of matter and are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Elements are substances composed of only one type of atom, like iron. Compounds contain different types of atoms bonded together, such as water (H2O) or methane (CH4). The document lists several common elements and their atomic symbols.

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Atoms and ElementsAtoms and Elements
W Richards
Worthing High School

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AtomsAtoms
Atoms are the “building blocks” of all matter and are the
simplest form of molecule. They are all made up of
protons, neutrons and electrons. They look something like
this:
The Nucleus – this
contains neutrons and
protons
Electrons – these orbit
around the nucleus

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ElementsElements
If a solid, liquid or gas is made up of only one type of
atom we say it is an element. For example, consider a
tripod made up of iron:
These atoms are
ALL iron – there’s
nothing else in here

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CompoundsCompounds
Compounds are
different to
elements. They
contain different
atoms. Here are
some examples:
Glucose
Methane
Sodium
chloride (salt)

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Some simple compounds…Some simple compounds…
Methane, CH4 Water, H2O
Carbon
dioxide, CO2
Ethyne, C2H2
Sulphuric
acid, H2SO4
Key
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Carbon
Sulphur

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Elements and symbols thatElements and symbols that
you should know:you should know:
Part 1 – The obvious ones:
1) Hydrogen
2) Helium
3) Lithium
4) Beryllium
5) Boron
6) Carbon
7) Nitrogen
8) Oxygen
9) Fluorine
10)Neon
11) Magnesium
12)Aluminium
13)Silicon
14)Phosphorus
H
He
Li
Be
B
C
N
O
F
Ne
Mg
Al
Si
P

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Some more obvious ones:
15)Sulphur
16)Chlorine
17)Argon
18) Calcium
19) Zinc
The less obvious ones:
1) Sodium
2) Potassium
3) Iron
4) Copper
5) Silver
6) Tin
7) Gold
8) Mercury
9) Lead
S
Cl
Ar
Ca
Zn
Na
K
Fe
Cu
Ag
Sn
Au
Hg
Pb