2) Atoms And Minerals Flashcards
Describe proton
Positive charge and their number in the nucleus defines an element
What is an atom?
Basic unit of matter that consists of a central nucleus surrounded by cloud of electrons
- nucleus
- protons
- neutrons
- electron orbital shells
Describe neutron
Electrically neutral but a large number of them can make a nucleus unstable so it decays radioactively
Describe electron
Have a negative charge, can be shared with neighboring atoms to produce bonds
What differentiates one element from another
Number of protons in nucleus of elements
Why do different elements bond to each other
Atom favors an even amount of electrons
Cation
Na gives away an electron to become positively charged
Anion
Cl gains an electron to become negatively charged
What is an ion
a charged atom
What is valence
Charge that an atom has when bonded
anionic groups
Sometimes in nature, different elements tend to be strongly bonded together to form Anionic groups
Ionic bond
Electron almost completely moves from an atom to its neighboring atom
Covalent bond
Electrons are shared by 2 atoms
Metallic bond
Electron hops from one atom to the next
Mineral
Naturally occurring inorganic solid with regular internal crystal structure, formed by inorganic or organic processes