Atomic structure L1 Flashcards
What is the atomic number?
The number of protons
What is the mass number, A?
The number of protons and neutrons combined
What is the relative mass of an electron?
1/1840
What can protons and neutrons be called?
nucleons
How can you remember the difference between anions and cations?
CATs are PAWsitive
Anions- onions-cry-negative
What is a cation?
A positive ion- an atom has lost electrons so there are more protons than electrons
What is an anion?
A negative ion- an atom has gained electrons so that there are more electrons than protons
Why do isotopes of the same element have the same chemical properties?
They have the same electron configuration- (same number and arrangement)
What is electron configuration?
The arrangment of electrons in orbitals/energy shells
Define isotope
Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different number of neutrons
Points to remember after completing ques:
- If the number of electrons change in an element its going to be an ion
- The proton number/ atomic number NEVER changes
- If the electrons change in an element or ion the atomic number still stays the same
Explain why isotopes can have different physical properties
The isotopes have different masses (and physical properties depend on the mass of the element)