Atomic Structure Flashcards
What is the definition of a proton?
A nucleic particle with a positive charge
What is the definition of an electron?
A subatomic particle with a negative charge
What is the definition of a neutron?
A nucleic particle with no charge
What is a mass number?
The total number of protons AND neutrons in a nucleu
What is an atomic number?
The number of protons in a nucleus
Where is the K-shell located, and how many electrons can it hold?
It’s the orbital nearest the nucleus and can house 2 electrons
Where is the L-shell located, and how many electrons can it hold?
It’s the orbital second farthest from the nucleus and can house 8 electrons
What is a nuclide?
A nuclide is a species of atom defined by its nuclear makeup i.e. its mass number (A) and atomic number (Z)
What is an isotope (of an element)?
An isotope is a variation of an element, that has the same atomic number (Z) as the given element, but a different mass number (A).
Same number of protons, differing number of neutrons
What is a radionuclide?
A radionuclide is an atom whose atomic (Z) and mass (A) number (i.e. its nucleus) make it unstable and emit radiation in order to stablise itself.
What is the symbol for atomic number?
Z
What is the symbol for mass number?
A
What is an element?
A nucleus with a given value of Z (i.e. a specified number of protons).
What is a radioisotope?
A radioisotope of an element is an isotope whose nuclear makeup make it unstable and emit radiation in an attempt to stablise itself.
How does an orbital’s distance from the nucleus affect the binding energy of electrons housed in it?
The farther from the nucleus, the lower its binding energy
How does an orbital’s distance from the nucleus affect the potential energy of electrons housed in it?
Farther from the nucleus, the higher its potential energy
How does atomic number affect binding energy?
The atomic number (Z) corresponds to the number of protons. Therefore, a higher number of protons means a greater electrostatic force between protons and electrons in the atom, increasing the binding energy (especially in orbitals closer to the nucleus).
Describe the electron configuration of carbon
Atomic number (Z) is 6, so: K-shell = 2 electrons L-shell = 4 electrons
Describe the electron configuration of chlorine
Atomic number (Z) is 17, so: K-shell = 2 L-shell = 8 M-shell = 7
How do binding energies relate to the energies of x-ray photons produced?
X-ray photons produced via characteristic radiation have an energy equal to the difference in binding energies of the ejected electron and the electron that ‘falls down’ to replace it.
How are electrons organised in the Bohr model of an atom?
Contained within shells which form concentric circles around the nucleus
