Atomic+Structure

Knowing about the structure of atoms enables us to understand how and why certain elements react.

Try this interactive site to see what happens when you change the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom:

[|Atomic Structure Generator]

Atoms gain or lose electrons to become ions, and these ions combine to form compounds. Compounds must have an overall neutral charge, ie there must be the same number of positive charges as negative. Try writing the correct formula of ionic compounds using this interactive tool. When you have balanced the charges you will have the correct formula:

[|Writing Formula]