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 type of atom. Carbon, mercury etc are examples
molecule
the smallest particle of a substance that can exist. It is composed of two or more atoms.
subscript
tiny number to the right of the element symbol. Tells you how many atoms of that element
chemical symbol
a one or two letter representation of an element
compound
a substance made of atoms from two or more elements
proton
a particle of matter that has a positive electrical charge and forms part of the nucleus of an atom
mass number
numbers of protons plus neutrons. Bottom number in the element box
atomic number
number of protons. Top number in the element box
neutron
a particle of matter that has no electrical charge and forms part of the nucleus of an atom
electron
a particle of the matter that has a negative electrical charge and travels around the nucleus of an atom