The nuclear model of the atom Flashcards
Describe the structure of an atom.
a positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons in orbit around the nucleus
How can atoms form positive ions?
losing electrons
How can atoms form negative ions?
gaining electrons
What is an experiment to support the nuclear model of the atom?
scattering of alpha particles by a sheet of thin metal
What does Rutherford’s Alpha Particle Scattering experiment prove?
- there is a very small nucleus surrounded by mostly empty space
- nucleus contains most of atom’s mass
- positive nucleus
What is the nucleus composed of?
protons and neutrons
Relative charge of proton?
+1
Relative charge of neutron?
0
Relative charge of electron?
-1
What is the proton number?
number of protons found in the nucleus
What is the atomic number?
number of protons found in the nucleus
The electron and proton numbers are equal in…
an atom (neutral)
The electron and proton numbers are unequal in…
ions (charged)
What is the nucleon number?
total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus
What is the mass number?
total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus