4-5 chemical elements and properties Flashcards
hydrogen
Found in upper left corner of table and has the simplest atoms. Rarely found on Earth as a pure element. Combines readily with oxygen.
noble gases
Group 18.
Pure elements; they do not combine with anything else.
oxygen family +2
Group 16.
Usually gain or share 2 electrons during reactions.
diatomic
moleculels of only 2 atoms.
Can be pure elements OR compounds.
triatomic
molecules of only 3 atoms.
Can be pure elements OR compounds.
nitrogen family +3
Group 15.
Usually gain or share 3 electrons during reactions. Earth’s atmosphere is almost 80% nitrogen gas.
carbon family
The most important element for the chemistry of life.
Most fuels contain carbon.
Very reactive.
synthetic elements
These are elements with atomic numbers higher than 92. They are not found naturally on Earth; scientists make them artificially.
thermal conductivity
the ability of an object to transfer heat.
electrical conductivity
the ability of an object to transfer electric current. Most metals are good thermal and electrical conductors.
4 properties of metals
luster, malleability, ductility, and conductivity
valence electrons
electrons that have the highest energy level.
atomic excitation
A valence electron has the ability to absorb or release energy. This gain or loss of energy can trigger an electron to move (jump) to a more outer shell or even break free from its associated atom’s valence shell.
luster
metal property of how shiny it is
malleability
metal property of how bendable it is
ductility
metal property of ability to be pulled into smaller wires
conductivity
metal property of allowing electrons to pass through; it can be thermal, electric, or some other form of energy transfer.
