Atomic Theory Vocab Flashcards
Electron
A stable subatomic particle with a charge of negative electricity, found in all atoms and acting as the primary carrier of electricity in solids.
Quantum Mechanical Model
The quantum mechanical model of the atom uses complex shapes of orbitals (election cloud), volumes of space where the is likely to be an electron. Based on probability rather than certainty
Neutron
a subatomic particle of about the same mass as a proton but without an electric charge
Nucleus
the positively charged central core of an atom, consisting of protons and neutrons and containing nearly all its mass.
Atom
the smallest constituent unit of ordinary matter that constitutes a chemical element.
Quantum
a discrete quantity of energy proportional in magnitude to the frequency of the radiation it represents.
Heisenberg Uncertainty Priciple
the position and the velocity of an object cannot both be measured exactly, at the same time, even in theory
Atomic Orbital
an atomic orbital is a mathematical function that describes the wave-like behavior of either one electron or a pair of electrons in an atom
Proton
a stable subatomic particle occurring in all atomic nuclei, with a positive electric charge equal in magnitude to that of an electron, but of opposite sign.
Max Plank’s conclusion
Quantum of action and his quantum theory
Atomic number
the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the chemical properties of an element and its place in the periodic table.
Ground state
the lowest energy state of an atom or other particle.
