Chapter 1 - Atomic Structure Flashcards
Where are protons and neutrons found?
In the nucleus
Each proton has an amount of charge equal to what?
The fundamental unit of charge
e = 1.6 x 10^-19 Coulombs
Simplified as “+1e” or even “+1”
Protons have a mass of approximately what?
One atomic mass unit (amu)
What are elements defined by?
The number of protons they contain
All atoms of a given element have the same atomic number but may not contain the same mass, why is this?
Because they can have varying number of neutrons
The atomic number is what sign in chemistry?
Z
How much more does a neutron weight than a proton?
Not much at all, slightly greater in weight
Why do protons and neutrons in the nucleus make up almost all the mass of an atom?
Because the electron is of negligible weight
Mass number is given what sign in chemistry
A
What is the mass number (A)
It is the sum of protons and neutrons in the atoms nucleus
What are isotopes?
Atoms that share the same atomic number hence are the same element but have different mass numbers due to varying number of neutrons
In a written equation where is the atomic number (Z), mass number(A), and atom (X)?
The atom is after the atomic number and mass number, the atomic number being below the mass number which is on top
How does an electrons charge compare to a proton?
Their charge is equal in magnitude but in opposition of each other 1:1
The mass of an electron is approximately how much of a proton?
1/2000
Since masses of subatomic particles are so small, what does this mean for electrostatic force and gravitational force?
The electrostatic force of attraction between the unlike charges of the proton and electron is far greater than the gravitational force of attraction based on their respective masses
Why do electrons have varying levels of electrical potential?
Because they move around the nucleus at varying distances
Which electrons have lower and higher levels of energy?
Electrons closer to the nucleus are at lower levels of energy, those further have higher levels of energy
What electrons have the strongest interactions with the surrounding environment and the weakest interactions with the nucleus?
The electrons that are furthest from the nucleus, these electrons are called valence electrons
What electrons are much more likely to become involved in bonds with other atoms and why?
Valence electrons, because they have the least electrostatic pull from their own nucleus
Generally speaking What determines the reactivity of an atom?
Valence electrons
How do valence electrons play a role in increasing stability?
They can share or transfer valence electrons in bonds allowing elements to fill their highest energy levels to increase the stability
What is a positive and negative charged atom called?
Positively charged - cation
Negatively charged - anion
Atomic mass unit (amu) is equal to what?
1.66 x 10^-24g
What is the difference between Atomic weight and atomic mass
Atomic weight is the average mass of all isotopes of an element
Atomic mass refers to the mass of an individual atom of a specific isotope of that element