Atomic Structure Flashcards
What is an ion?
An atom which has lost or gained an electron
What is the radius of an atom?
1x10-10
What are isotopes
Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons
How can an electron move to a higher energy level?
By gaining energy by absorbing electromagnetic radiation
How can an electron drop down to a lower energy level?
By losing energy by emitting EM radiation
What is an alpha particle?
When an atom emits two protons and two neutrons because it has too many protons
What is a beta particle?
When the nucleus has too many neutrons, a neutron converts to a proton and electron. The fast moving electron is fired out
What are gamma rays?
When a nuclei emits excess energy by a high energy wave
What is radioactive decay?
The random process of the emission of radiation
