Key Terms Flashcards
Atomic number
The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of an element.
Mass number
The sum of the protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.
Atomic mass
The total mass of an atom.
Isotopes
Atoms of an element that differ in number of neutrons.
Radioactive isotopes
Isotopes that decay spontaneously, giving off particles and energy.
Energy
The capacity to cause change.
Potential energy
The energy that matter has because of its location or structure.
Electron shell
An electron’s state of potential energy.
Valence electrons
Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom.
Orbital
The three-dimensional space where an electron is found 90% of the time.
Single covalent bond
The sharing of one pair of valence electrons.
Bond
An energetic attraction between atoms.
Weak acid
An acid with a relatively high pKa.
Strong acid
An acid with a relatively low pKa.
