Fundamental Ideas Flashcards
What is the structure of an atom?
Atoms have a small central nucleus, which is made up of protons and neutrons and around, which is where the electrons are.
Why do atoms have no overall charge?
The number of electrons is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus. Atoms have no overall electrical charge.
How to you work out an element’s atomic number?
By the number of protons in the atom of the element
How do you work out an element’s mass number?
The sum of the protons and neutrons in an atom
Why do elements in the group have similar reactions?
Because they have identical numbers of outer electrons.
Why are the noble gases unreactive?
Because their outer shells are full. The noble gases have eight outer electrons except from helium which has two.
What are compounds that consist of metals and non-metals called?
Ions
What are compounds called which consist of non-metals?
Molecules, in molecules the atoms are held together by covalent bonds.
