Lecture 2-The structure of an atom Flashcards
Z
Atomic number
A
Mass number
What are orbitals?
When e- occupy specific regions in space
What is it called when orbitals are grouped into families?
Shells
How do e- determine the properties of an atom?
By affecting reactivity + ability to form bonds
What is the kinetic isotope effect?
Where heavier isotopes react slightly more slowly , because of the strength of the bonds
Stable isotopes remain ……..?
Unchanged indefinitely
What do unstable isotopes undergo to obtain a stable nucleus?
spontaneous disintegration
What does spontaneous integration result in?
The emission of small particles and / or radiation
What do radioactive isotopes have?
High energy nucleus
What does a mass spectrometer do?
Measure the molecular weight of atoms/compounds by observing the m/z of ratios
What does half-life t1/2 mean?
The time taken for the activity of a given amount of a radioactive substance to decay to half of its initial value
What emits during alpha decay?
Helium nuclei
What emits during beta minus decay?
electron
What emits during beta plus decay?
positron (same mass of e-, but different charge)
