Science Chapter 3 Vocab Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Science Chapter 3 Vocab Deck (39)
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0
Q

Electrons

A

A tiny, negatively charged particle that moves around the outside of the nucleus of an atom.

1
Q

Atom

A

Smallest particle that can still be considered and element

2
Q

Nucleus

A

The central core of an atom which contains protons and neutrons

3
Q

Protons

A

Small, positively charged particles that are found in the nucleus of an atom.

4
Q

Energy level

A

A region of an atom in which electrons of the same energy are likely to be found.

5
Q

Neutron

A

A small particle in the nucleus of the atom, with no electrical charge.

6
Q

Atomic number

A

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

7
Q

Isotopes

A

An atom with the same number of protons and a different number of neutrons from other atoms of the same element.

8
Q

Mass number

A

The sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

9
Q

Atomic mass

A

The average mass of all the isotopes of an element.

10
Q

Periodic Table

A

An arrangement of the elements showing the repeating pattern of their properties.

11
Q

Chemical Symbol

A

A one- or two-letter representation of an element.

12
Q

Periods

A
  1. A horizontal row of elements in the periodic table
13
Q

Metals

A

A class of elements characterized by physical properties that include shininess, malleability, ductility, and conductivity.

14
Q

Group

A

Elements in the same vertical column of the periodic table; also called family.

15
Q

Luster

A

The way a mineral reflects light from its surface.

16
Q

Malleable

A

A term used to describe material that can be hammered or rolled into flat sheets.

17
Q

Ductile

A

A term used to describe a material that can be pulled out into a long wire.

18
Q

Thermal Conductivity

A

The ability of an object to transfer heat.

19
Q

Electrical Conductivity

A

The ability of an object to carry electric current.

20
Q

Reactivity

A

The ease and speed with which an element combines, or reacts, with other elements and compounds.

21
Q

Corrosion

A

The gradual wearing away of a metal element due to a chemical reaction.

22
Q

Alkali Metals

A

An element in Group 1 of the periodic table.

23
Q

Alkaline Earth Metals

A

An element in Group 2 of the periodic table.

24
Q

Transition Metals

A

One of the elements in Groups 3 through 12 of the periodic table.

25
Q

Nonmetal

A

An element that lacks most of the properties of a metal.

26
Q

Diatomic Molecule

A

A molecule consisting of two atoms.

27
Q

Halogens

A

An element found in Group 17 of the periodic table.

28
Q

Noble gases

A

An element in Group 18 of the periodic table.

29
Q

Metalloid

A

An element that has some characteristics of both metals and nonmetals.

30
Q

Semiconductors

A

A substance that can conduct electric current under some conditions.

31
Q

Radioactive decay

A

The process in which the nuclei of radioactive elements break down, releasing fast-moving particles and energy.

32
Q

Nuclear reaction

A

A reaction involving the particles in the nucleus of an atom that can change one element into another element.

33
Q

Radioactivity

A

The spontaneous emission of radiation by an unstable atomic nucleus.

34
Q

Alpha particle

A

A particle given off during radioactive decay that consists of two protons and two neutrons.

35
Q

Beta particle

A

A fast-moving electron that is given off as nuclear radiation.

36
Q

Gamma rays

A

Electromagnetic waves with the shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies.

37
Q

Half-life

A

The time it takes for half of the atoms of a radioactive element to decay.

38
Q

Tracer

A

A radioactive isotope that can be followed through the steps of a chemical reaction or industrial process.