Structure 1.2 Flashcards
Atoms are almost entirely….
empty space
What are the key characteristics of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom?
Protons and neutrons (nucleons) make up the nucleus. Protons have a relative charge of +1, while neutrons are electrically neutral. Electrons, which surround the nucleus, have a very small mass and a relative charge of -1. Atoms are electrically neutral, so they have the same number of electrons as protons.
Formula for atomic mass
Atomic Mass= moles x (proton mass + electron mass), masses in kg
What does the difference in mass mean for the properties of isotopes?
Their physical properties such as melting and boiling points will differ
Nulcelon
The number of protons and neutrons of an atom
Isotope
Atoms with the same number of protons (atomic number) but different numbers of neutrons
Radioisotope
The unstable form of an element that emits radiation to transform into a more stable form.
Atomic Number (A)
The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom
Mass number (Z)
The number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom
Relative atomic mass (Ar)
The weighted mean of the naturally occurring isotopes of an element, relative to 1/12 of a carbon atom.
What are mass spectrometers used for?
RElative atomic masses of elements form their isotopic composition
What happens when a diatomic element is injected into a mass spectrometer?
When a diatomic element is injected into a mass spectrometer, the molecules become ionized and may break into individual atoms. The resulting peaks in the mass spectrum represent the different isotopes and combinations of the element, with characteristic m/z values based on the atomic masses and isotope ratios.
mass spectronomy can be used to analyse…
both elements and compounds
What happens when molecules are introduced into a mass spectrometer?
Small and large pieces can fragment off, and the relative amounts of these sized fragments is shown in the graph made.
