atomic structure

American  

noun

Physics.

1. the structure of an atom, theoretically consisting of a positively charged nucleus surrounded and neutralized by negatively charged electrons revolving in orbits at varying distances from the nucleus, the constitution of the nucleus and the arrangement of the electrons differing with various chemical elements.

---

atomic structure British  

noun

1. the concept of an atom as a central positively charged nucleus consisting of protons and neutrons surrounded by a number of electrons. The number of electrons is equal to the number of protons: the whole entity is thus electrically neutral

---

Etymology

Origin of atomic structure

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Understanding the atomic structure of the surface of a functional material is essential for both engineers and chemists.

From Science Daily • Nov. 18, 2024

Overall, this research advances our understanding of the atomic structure of glasses, providing new directions for material control and development.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2024

In this research, the team developed a deep learning AI technique to quantitatively analyze cation mixing using atomic structure images.

From Science Daily • May 13, 2024

And in the middle of this strange atomic structure was press from everywhere: Japanese TV, Swedish newspapers, American magazines, more.

From Slate • Apr. 30, 2024

James Chadwick’s discovery of the neutron in early 1932 posed questions about atomic structure and behavior that could not be fully processed without an understanding of chemistry in addition to physics.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik