Atoms, Elements, Molecules, and Compounds Flashcards
Atom
The smallest particle of an element that can exist.
Element
a pure chemical substance that cannot be physically split into a more simple substance. Each is made of one atom. Carbon, Mercury and Hydrogen are examples.
molecule
the smallest particle of a substance that can exist. It is composed of two or more atoms.
compound
a substance made of atoms from two elements.
proton
a particle of matter that has a positive electrical charge and forms part of the nucleus of an atom.
neutron
a particle of matter that has no electrical charge and forms part of the nucleus of an atom.
electron
a particle of matter that has a negative electrical charge and travels around the nucleus of an atom.
atomic number
Number of protons . Top number in the element box.
mass number
`Number of protons plus neutrons. bottom number in the element box.
chemical symbol
a one or two letter representation of an element.
subscript
Tiny number to the right of the element symbol. Tells you how many atoms of that element.