Science Definitions Flashcards
Electron:
Negative charge, small mass, found in the electron cloud that surrounds the nucleus
Proton:
In nucleus, positive charge, heavy, mass of 1
Neutron:
Located in nucleus, neutral charge, mass of 1
Atomic number:
of an element equals the # of protons in the nucleus
Mass number:
Sum of protons & neutrons in nucleus
Isotope:
Atoms of same element that have diff #’s of neutrons & diff mass #’s
Hypothesis:
Educated guess based on observation
Law:
Summary of a pattern in nature, describes what happens
Ex: gravity, nursia
Theory:
Explain patterns, explain why something happens, never proven to be correct, best & most complete explanation of a phenomenon, become stronger if evidence continues to support it, may be modified
EX: evaluation, Big Bang
Model:
Representation of something
Atom:
Makes up everything, contains protons, neutrons, and electrons, contains mass, cannot be seen by naked eye
Nucleus:
Center core of atom, has a positive charge, contains most of atoms mass