Topic 1 - Atoms Flashcards
what are the three subatomic particles in an atom?
proton, neutron and electron
what is the relative mass and charge of a proton?
relative mass is 1, relative charge is +1
what is the relative mass and charge of a neutron?
relative mass is 1, relative charge is 0
what is the relative mass and charge of an electron?
relative mass is 0, relative charge is -1
where is the nucleus?
in the middle of the atom
what does the nucleus contain?
protons and neutrons
what is the charge on the nucleus?
positive because of the protons
where is all the mass of an atom?
in the nucleus
where are the electrons in the atom?
‘orbiting’ around the nucleus in shells
how can atoms be neutral?
the number of electrons equal the number of protons, so there is no overall charge
what happens if electrons are added or removed from an atom?
the atom becomes charged
what is the atomic number?
how many protons there are
what is the mass number?
the total of protons and neutrons
how do you get the number of neutrons?
subtract atomic number from mass number
what is a molecule?
atoms joined together (e.g. H2 or H2O)
