Understanding Atomic Structure and
Chemical Bonding
Project Title: Understanding Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding
Submitted By: [Your Name]
Class: IX
Roll Number: [Your Roll Number]
School Name: [Your School Name]
Subject: Chemistry
Submitted To: [Teacher’s Name]
Session: 2024–25
Introduction
Chemistry deals with the study of matter and its changes. At the core of chemistry lies the
atom – the smallest building block of matter. Understanding the structure of atoms helps us
comprehend how different substances interact, react, and form compounds. Chemical
bonding is the process that joins atoms together to form molecules and compounds. These
concepts are used in daily life: in food, medicines, clothes, fuels, plastics, etc.
Discovery of Atom
Democritus (400 B.C.) was the first to suggest the concept of atomos – indivisible particles.
John Dalton proposed his Atomic Theory in 1808:
1. Matter is made up of indivisible atoms.
2. Atoms of the same element are identical.
3. Atoms combine in simple ratios to form compounds.
4. Atoms can’t be created or destroyed.
Subatomic Particles
Electrons were discovered by J.J. Thomson in 1897. Protons were discovered by Goldstein
and later confirmed by Rutherford. Neutrons were discovered by James Chadwick in 1932.
Atoms are neutral overall, because the number of protons equals electrons.
Table:
Particle | Symbol | Charge | Mass (approx) | Discovered by
---------|--------|--------|---------------|----------------
Electron | e⁻ | -1 | 1/1836 amu | J.J. Thomson
Proton | p⁺ | +1 | 1 amu | Rutherford
Neutron | n⁰ | 0 | 1 amu | James Chadwick
Atomic Models
1. Thomson’s Model (1904): Atom as a positively charged sphere with electrons embedded
(like a plum pudding).
2. Rutherford’s Model (1911): Gold foil experiment proved that atom has a dense, positively
charged nucleus with electrons revolving around.
3. Bohr’s Model (1913): Electrons revolve in fixed orbits with fixed energy levels.
Modern Atomic Theory
The modern atomic model includes quantum mechanics. Electrons are found in orbitals, not
fixed paths. Schrodinger gave the idea of probability clouds. Important rules:
- Aufbau Principle
- Pauli Exclusion Principle
- Hund’s Rule
Examples of Electronic Configuration:
Hydrogen: 1s¹
Carbon: 1s² 2s² 2p²
Sodium: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s¹
Why Do Atoms Bond?
Atoms bond to achieve a stable electronic configuration. They follow the octet rule:
tendency to have 8 electrons in the outermost shell. Noble gases are stable due to full octets.
Valency is the number of electrons gained, lost, or shared.
Lewis symbols show valence electrons around the symbol. Example: Na•, •Cl•
Types of Chemical Bonds
1. Ionic Bond: Transfer of electrons (e.g., NaCl).
2. Covalent Bond: Sharing of electrons (e.g., H₂O, CH₄).
3. Coordinate Bond: Shared pair comes from one atom (e.g., NH₄⁺).
4. Hydrogen Bond: Weak bond between hydrogen and electronegative atom (e.g., H₂O,
DNA).
Comparison and Applications
Comparison Table:
Property | Ionic Bond | Covalent Bond
---------|------------|---------------
Electron Movement | Transferred | Shared
Elements | Metal + Nonmetal | Nonmetals
Melting Point | High | Low
Solubility | Water-soluble | Variable
Conductivity | High in solution | Poor
Applications:
- Salt (NaCl) – preserves food
- Water (H₂O) – essential for life
- Ammonia (NH₃) – used in fertilizers
- Carbon Compounds – plastics, fuels, medicine
- Hydrogen bonding – DNA structure, protein folding
Conclusion and Bibliography
Conclusion:
Atomic structure helps us understand the basic nature of matter. Chemical bonding explains
how atoms come together to form various substances. These concepts are useful in
industries, healthcare, agriculture, and daily life.
Bibliography:
- NCERT Class IX Science Book
- Pradeep’s Chemistry
- Lakhmir Singh & Manjit Kaur
- Khan Academy
- BYJU’s Learning App
- Notes from School
