frumeindir

Frumeindir is the Icelandic term for atoms, the basic units of chemical elements. An atom consists of a central nucleus containing protons and neutrons, around which electrons move in an electron cloud. The nucleus contains nearly all of the atom’s mass, while the electrons occupy a much larger volume.

The atomic number, Z, equals the number of protons and determines the identity of the element. The total number of nucleons, A, equals protons plus neutrons and defines isotopes, which differ in neutron number. Some isotopes are unstable and radioactive.

Electrons are arranged in shells or orbitals with specific energy levels. The electron configuration largely determines an atom’s chemical properties and behavior in reactions. Atoms can gain or lose electrons to form ions, and many elements have several stable or unstable isotopes.

Historically, the concept of atoms developed from early philosophical ideas to experimental discoveries. John Dalton proposed atoms as indivisible units, J. J. Thomson discovered the electron, Ernest Rutherford revealed a dense nucleus, and Niels Bohr introduced a quantum model of atomic structure. Modern descriptions use quantum mechanics to describe electron probability distributions around the nucleus.

In science communication in Icelandic, frumeindir is used to discuss atoms in chemistry, physics, and related fields, spanning education, research, and industry.