Introduction to Atoms

Question 1

What is an Atom?

Answer 1

The basic building blocks of matter
The smallest particles of an element that retain the chemical properties of that element
Combine to form molecules which make up al substances

Question 2

What is the structure of an atom?

Answer 2

Three main subatomic particles
Proton, Neutrons, Electrons
Protons + Neutrons are found in the center = Nucleus
Electrons orbit the nucleus in energy levels/shells

Question 3

Protons

Answer 3

Have a + charge and contribute to the mass of the atom

Question 4

Neutrons

Answer 4

Have no charge and contribute to the mass of the atom

Question 5

Electrons

Answer 5

Have a - charge and are much smaller in mass

Question 6

What is the Atomic number?

Answer 6

The number of protons in an atom

Question 7

What is the Atomic mass?

Answer 7

The sum of the protons and neutrons in the nucleus

Question 8

What is an Isotope?

Answer 8

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons

Question 9

What are Electron Shells?

Answer 9

Electrons occupy specific energy levels or shells around the nucleus
Inner most shell hold up to 2 electrons, second holds up to 8
Outermost shell is know as valence shell - determine the chemical behaviour of an atom

Question 10

Valence electrons

Answer 10

Electrons in the outermost shell
The number influences how atoms interact with each other in chemical reactions
Elements in the same group of the periodic table have similar valence electron configurations

Question 11

Definition of Elements

Answer 11

Substances made up of only one type of atom
Cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means

Question 12

Examples of Elements

Answer 12

Oxygen (O)
Hydrogen (H)
Carbon (C)

Question 13

Properties of Elements

Answer 13

Each element has its own unique set of physical & chemical properties
Elements are organized in the periodic table based on their properties

Question 14

Definition of compounds

Answer 14

Substance made up of two or more different types of atoms chemically bound together
Can be broke down into simpler substances by chemical means

Question 15

Examples of Compounds

Answer 15

Water (H2O)
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Sodium Chloride (NaCl)

Question 16

Properties of Compounds

Answer 16

Compound often have properties different from elements that make them up
The ratio of atoms is fixed
Attraction between particles is called intermolecular force of attraction
This force keeps the particles of matter held together

Question 17

Definition of Covalent Bonds

Answer 17

When atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration
Typically occurs between non-metal atoms

Question 18

Examples of Covalent Bonds

Answer 18

Formation of water molecule (H2O) where each hydrogen atom share its electron with the oxygen atom

Question 19

Properties of Covalent Bonds

Answer 19

Strong within molecules but weak between molecules
They have lower melting & boiling point than ionic bonds

Question 20

Name 3 types of Covalent Bonds

Answer 20

Single
Double
Triple

Question 21

Definition of Ionic Bond

Answer 21

Form when one atom transfers electrons to another to achieve a stable electron configuration
Typically occur between metal & non-metal atoms

Question 22

Examples of Ionic Bonds

Answer 22

Formulation of sodium chloride (NaCl) where sodium loses an electron to chlorine, resulting in opposite charged ions (Na+, Cl-) that attract eachother

Question 23

Properties of Ionic Bonds

Answer 23

Strong electrostatic force of attraction between ions
Often from crystalline structures with high melting and boiling points

Question 24

Formation of Ionic Bonds

Answer 24

Metal tend to lose electrons to form + charged ions (Cations)
Non-metal tend to gain electrons to form - charged ions (Anions)

Question 25

Compound formed by ions bonds are called what?

Answer 25

Salts