Atoms Flashcards
What is an atom?
Atoms are a part of matter, that encase protons, neutrons and electrons. When the number of protons change, so does the element on the Periodic Table. They are extremely tiny (we cannot see them), but they make up everything, including solids, liquids and gases.
What is the electrical charge of a proton, neutron and electron?
Protons = positive, Neutrons = neutral and Electrons = negative.
Where are Protons, Neutrons and Electrons found in an atom?
Protons and Neutrons are found inside the Nucleus, whereas the Electrons are found in shells surrounding the Nucleus.
What is the atomic number? Provide an example.
Is is the amount of protons inside an atom (all protons will be the same number as the element). E.g, Neon’s atomic number is 10, meaning that there are 10 protons in the nucleus. If there were 11 protons, the element would change to sodium.
What are Isotopes?
They are atoms with an unequal number of neutrons to protons and therefore mass number, but do not change the overall charge or type of element.
What are radioisotopes?
They are isotopes with unstable energy, causing them to be radioactive. They can be formed normally overtime through natural decay of the atom, as well as being made in a laboratory.
Which scientist created the atomic model that we see today?
Niels Bohr
What arrangement are electrons in? Provide an example.
For the first shell, there can only be 2 electrons, in the second shell there is a limit of 8 electrons, in the next shell there is a limit of 8 shells, and in the last shell there can only be 2 shells (2,8,8,2). E.g, Sodium has the arrangement of 2,8,1.
What are the 3 types of Nuclear Radiation? Which one is most harmful.
Alpha particles, Beta particles and Gamma rays are the 3 types of Nuclear Radiation. Gamma rays are most harmful because of the fact that they are a ray instead of a particle, and therefore can go through materials like cloth and paper, that Alpha and Beta particles cannot. They can also pass through the human body, which could cause burns or sickness to the human, and could even kill some DNA cells.
What is Half-Life?
It is the measured time it takes for 1/2 of an atom to break down. This measurement is commonly used by scientists, investigating how long it takes for an unstable element to break down, or a stable atom to survive.
