Atomic Structure, Elements, The Periodic Table, Ions & Metal Reactivity Flashcards
(77 cards)
What is matter?
Substance that has mass and takes up space (having volume)
Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space, including solids, liquids, and gases.
Define an atom.
The smallest part of an element capable of existence
Atoms are the basic units of matter and the defining structure of elements.
What are subatomic particles?
Each atom is made of smaller particles called subatomic particles
Common subatomic particles include protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Where is a proton found, and what is its charge?
Found in nucleus, has +1 charge
Protons are positively charged particles located in the nucleus of an atom.
Where is a neutron found, and what is its charge?
Found in nucleus, has zero charge
Neutrons are neutral particles also located in the nucleus.
Where is an electron found, and what is its charge?
Found outside nucleus in electron shells, has -1 charge
Electrons are negatively charged particles that occupy the space around the nucleus.
What is the nucleus of an atom?
Contains protons and neutrons and is positively charged
The nucleus holds most of the atom’s mass but occupies a very small volume.
What are electron shells?
Electron shells contain electrons and occupy most of the space of the atom
Electron shells have negligible mass compared to the nucleus.
What is the atomic number?
Number of protons in an atom
The atomic number defines the element and determines its position in the periodic table.
Define atomic mass.
A ‘weighted average’ of all the isotopes of the element
Atomic mass considers the abundance of each isotope.
What is an isotope?
Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons
Isotopes have the same atomic number but different mass numbers.
What are valence electrons?
Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom
These electrons are important for chemical bonding.
What is a period on the Periodic Table?
Each horizontal row in the periodic table, numbered 1 to 7
Periods indicate the energy levels of electrons in elements.
What is a group on the Periodic Table?
Each vertical column in the periodic table, numbered 1 to 18
Groups represent elements with similar chemical properties.
Define metal.
Found at the left of the staircase in the periodic table, ductile, good conductors
Metals are typically solid at room temperature and have few outer shell electrons.
Define non-metal.
Found at the right of the staircase in the periodic table, not ductile or malleable
Non-metals often gain electrons to complete their outer shell.
What is a metalloid?
Form the staircase on the periodic table, exhibit both metal and non-metal properties
Metalloids have intermediate properties and are semiconductors.
What is an ion?
When an atom loses or gains electrons, it becomes electrically charged
Ions can be either cations or anions depending on the charge.
Define cation.
When an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged
Cations are typically formed by metals.
Define anion.
When an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged
Anions are typically formed by non-metals.
What determines the reactivity of metals?
The ability to lose valence electrons
More reactive metals lose their valence electrons more readily.
What is the relationship between an element, the number of protons, and the number of electrons?
An element’s atoms all have the same number of protons and electrons
This equality maintains the neutrality of the atom.
What is nuclide notation?
A way to represent an isotope, including mass number and atomic number
For example, Carbon-12 is represented as ¹²C.
Define mass number.
Total number of protons and neutrons in an atom
Mass number determines the isotope of an element.
