Atomic Structure Flashcards
What is an isotope?
An atom of the same element but with a different number of neutrons (and so a different mass number) E.G Chlorine has two isotopes
What is the relative atomic mass?
The weighted average mass of all the isotopes of an element
What does the number of electrons in the outermost shell tell you about the element?
- Determines the chemical characteristics of the element
- Determines the group that the element is on in the periodic table
What do metals form?
Metals loose electrons and become positively charged, forming a cation
What do non-metals form?
Gain electrons and become negatively charged forming an anion
What is an ion called if it is unchanged?
A spectator ion
What is a molecule?
A molecule is when two or more non-metal elements chemically bond together (can be the same element)
What does an atom consist of?
A central nucleus, composed of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons orbiting in shells
What is the atomic number?
The smaller the number, the number of protons/electrons
What is the mass number?
The number of protons and neutrons
What is the periodic table?
An arrangement of elements in order of atomic number
