atoms & ions

Question 1

what is an atom

Answer 1

Atom: The definition of an atom is the smallest component of an element, characterized by a sharing of the chemical properties of the element and a nucleus with neutrons, protons and electrons.

Question 2

what is an ion

Answer 2

Ion: an electrically charged atom or group of atoms formed by the loss or gain of one or more electrons, as a cation (positive ion), which is created by electron loss and is attracted to the cathode in electrolysis, or as an anion (negative ion), which is created by an electron gain and is attracted to the anode.

Question 3

The 2 important properties of subatomic particles:

Answer 3

mass & electrical charge

Question 4

what is a cation

Answer 4

Cations: A positively charged ion, i.e., one that would be attracted to the cathode in electrolysis

Question 5

what is an anion

Answer 5

Anions: An anion is an ionic species having a negative charge.

Question 6

characteristics of electrons

Answer 6

Electrons:
Are very small & light
Exist in shells 
Can be lost or gained in chemical reactions
Exist in the shells of the atom
Negatively charged

Question 7

characteristics of the nucleus

Answer 7

The Nucleus:
Dense
Contains all the mass of the atom in a tiny space
Made up of Protons and Neutrons
Has a positive charge because of the protons

Question 8

covalent vs ionic bonding

Answer 8

covalent
softer
lower melting point
does not conduct electricity well

ionic
harder
higher melting point
conducts electricity well