ABSTRACT
This chapter details an atom and a molecule and the difference between them, and describes the structure of an atom. It explains the electrons, protons and neutrons, identifies their electric charges, and also describes the atomic number and its relationship with the numbers of electrons and protons. The chapter explores the role of electrons in the properties of materials and the arrangement of electrons orbiting around the nucleus. It also explains why electrons and protons do not attract each other in any atom or molecule, and the role of neutrons in an atom and define the meaning of isotopes. The chapter examines the elements based on their atomic structure, and valence electrons and their role in electrical properties of materials. It also details atomic weight and its relationship with weight of materials and the similarities between different materials based on their valence electrons.
