General Flashcards
Mass Number
the total number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus
Atomic Number
the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the chemical properties of an element and its place in the periodic table
Proton
a stable subatomic particle occurring in all atomic nuclei, with a positive electric charge equal in magnitude to that of an electron, but of opposite sign
Neutron
a subatomic particle of about the same mass as a proton but without an electric charge, present in all atomic nuclei except those of ordinary hydrogen
Electron
a stable subatomic particle with a charge of negative electricity, found in all atoms and acting as the primary carrier of electricity in solids
Isotope
each of two or more forms of the same element that contain equal numbers of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei, and hence differ in relative atomic mass but not in chemical properties; in particular, a radioactive form of an element
Atom
the basic unit of a chemical element
Atomic Weight
The average mass of atoms of an element, calculated using the relative abundance of isotopes in a naturally-occurring element. It is the weighted average of the masses of naturally-occurring isotopes
Elements in the same column
group or family
Alkali Metals
Column A1
Alkaline Earth Metals
Column A2
Halogens/Halides
Column A7
Noble Gasses
Column A8
Transition Metals
Columns B1-B10
Electron Shell
a grouping of electrons surrounding the nucleus of an atom
Valence Electron
an electron in the outer shell of an atom which can combine with other atoms to form molecules
Valence Shell
the outermost shell of electrons in an atom; these electrons take part in bonding with other atoms
Core Shells
the shells of electrons within the valence shell
Nuclear Radiation
the process by which a nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting particles of ionizing radiation
Alpha Radiation
loss of 2 protons and 2 neutrons; ionizing radiation consisting of alpha particles, emitted by some substances undergoing radioactive decay;

Beta Radiation
loss of an electron and gain of a proton; radiation of beta particles during radioactive decay

Gama Radiation
emition of high energy light;

Half Life
the time taken for the radioactivity of a specified isotope to fall to half its original value
Octet Rule
each atom attempts to achieve 8 valence electrons with the exception of hydrogen, boron, and aluminum;
