Atoms & Isotopes Flashcards
Why is an atom electronically neutral?
An atom contains the same number of protons as electrons.
What is an isotope?
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different masses (due to different numbers of neutrons).
What do neutrons do?
Without neutrons, the nucleus would contain positively-charged protons, and since like-charges repel, a nucleus containing protons would fly apart.
Which shell has the highest energy level?
The shell furthest from the nucleus.
How many electrons can occupy the first shell?
2
How many electrons can occupy the second shell?
8
How many electrons can occupy the third shell?
18
How many electrons can occupy the fourth shell?
32
What are the 4 types of sub-shell?
s, p, d, f
How many electrons can occupy each orbital?
2
How many orbitals in s subshell?
1
How many orbitals in p subshell?
3
How many orbitals in d orbital?
5
How many orbitals in f orbital?
7
What is an orbital?
A negative charge cloud that can hold 2 orbitals. They make up sub-shells.
What shape is an s orbital?
A spherical shape
What shape is a p orbital?
Dumb-bell shape.
There are 3 p orbitals and they are at right angles to one another.
How many d orbitals are there?
5
How many f orbitals are there?
7
How do two electrons fit into an orbital?
An electron has a property called spin. The two electrons in an orbital have opposite spins, helping to counteract the natural repulsion between their negative charges.
Why do electrons occupy orbitals singly before pairing begins?
Prevents any repulsion caused by pairing.
