EL1- Fundamental Particles

Question 1

Define element

Answer 1

Substance consisting of atoms that have same number of protons

Question 2

Define atom

Answer 2

Smallest object that retains properties of an element

Question 3

Define isotope

Answer 3

When an elements atoms have different numbers of neutrons

Question 4

Define compound

Answer 4

Substance formed when 2 or more elements are bonded together

Question 5

What is the relative mass of a proton?

Answer 5

1

Question 6

What is the relative mass of an electron?

Answer 6

1/1840

Question 7

Where are the sub-atomic particles found?

Answer 7

Proton and neutron; nucleus

Electron; in orbitals around nucleus

Question 8

Define atomic number

Answer 8

Number of protons in nucleus

Question 9

Define mass number

Answer 9

Total number of protons and neutrons

Question 10

What does mass spectrometry measure?

Answer 10

Atomic mass of different particles in a sample, and the relative abundance of different isotopes in an element

Question 11

Describe how a mass spectrometer works

Answer 11

1. Atoms/molecules are ionised, to produce positively charged cations
2. Ions are separated according to mass:charge ratio
3. Separated ions are detected and abundance can be calculated

Question 12

What happens in a nuclear fusion reaction?

Answer 12

2 light atomic nuclei fuse, forming 1 heavier nucleus of a new element, releasing energy

Question 13

Why can’t nuclear fusion happen on earth?

Answer 13

Temperatures have to be very high for 2 nuclei to move close together and fuse. With temperatures on earth, nuclei repel each other too strongly