Chemistry Fundamentals

Question 1

Define an element

How many are there?

Answer 1

Substance made up of only one type of atom

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Question 2

What links elements in the same periodic table group?

Answer 2

They have the same number of electrons in their highest energy level (outer shell), which gives them similar properties

Question 3

Describe the structure of an atom

Answer 3

A small central nucleus made up of protons and neutrons, surrounded by shells of electrons

Question 4

Relative atomic charges for protons, neutrons and electrons

Answer 4

P: +1 N: 0 E: 1

Question 5

What’s the relationship between the atomic number, number of protons and number of electrons in an atom?

Answer 5

They are the same

Question 6

Define the mass number

Answer 6

The sum of the protons and neutrons in an atom

Question 7

Describe the distribution of electrons in an atom

Answer 7

Electrons occupy the lowest available energy levels (innermost available shells), in the order 2,8,8,2

Question 8

Explain why the noble gases are different to all other elements

Answer 8

They have a complete outer shell, so they are un-reactive

Question 9

How is a compound consisting of ions formed?

Answer 9

When metal and non-metal atoms gain or lose electrons to one another

Question 10

How is a compound consisting of molecules formed?

Answer 10

Non-metals share electrons in covalent bonds

Question 11

Why must a symbol equation be balanced?

Answer 11

Mass is conserved