Theory Unit 1 - Periodic Table and Atomic Structure

Question 1

Proton

Answer 1

Positively charged subatomic particle. Contained inside the nucleus. Neutrons and Protons weigh roughly the same (1 atomic mass unit).

Question 2

Nucleus

Answer 2

The center of an atom. Contains the protons and neutrons. Since neutrons have no charge and protons are positively charged, the nucleus has an overall positive charge.

Question 3

Neutrons

Answer 3

Neutrally charged subatomic particle. (No charge) Contained inside the nucleus. Neutrons and Protons weigh roughly the same (1 atomic mass unit)

Question 4

Electrons

Answer 4

Negatively charged subatomic particles. Electrons can be found in the space around the nucleus. This area is often called the electron cloud. Electrons have NO mass.

Question 5

Atomic Number

Answer 5

Identifies an element. The number of protons. For a neutral atom, the number of electrons will equal the number of protons. For an ion (charged atom) the number of electrons will not be the same as the atomic number.

Question 6

Atomic Mass Number

Answer 6

Also known as the Mass Number or Atomic Mass.

Question 7

How to calculate neutrons:

Answer 7

of Neutrons = Atomic Mass Number - Atomic Number

Question 8

Isotopes

Answer 8

Atoms of the same element which have a different Mass Number due to a differing number of neutrons.

The symbol for an Isotope is the element symbol followed by the Mass Number, for example:

Na-23 and Na-24

Question 9

Ions

Answer 9

Atoms or groups of atoms with a charge. To have a charge an atom must have gained or lost electrons. If an atom gains electrons it becomes negatively charged. If an atom loses electrons it will become positively charged.

Question 10

Cations

Answer 10

Positively Charged Ions. In general, cations are metals.

Question 11

Anion

Answer 11

Negatively charged Ions. Anions are negatively charged because they have gained an electron(s) (electrons are negative). In general, anions are nonmetals.

Question 12

Period

Answer 12

Horizontal row on the periodic table.

Question 13

Group or Family

Answer 13

Vertical Column on the periodic table. Elements in the same family have similar properties.

Question 15

Valence Electrons

Answer 15

Electrons found on the outer energy level. Represented by Roman Numerals. Transition Elements do not have Roman Numerals which denote their valence electrons.

Question 16

Roman Numerals

Answer 16

Above groups/families Roman Numerals represent the number of valence electrons.

When writing the name of an ionic compound which includes a transition metal a Roman Numeral is used to denote the quantity of positive charge associated with that transition metal.

Question 17

Principle Energy Level

Answer 17

The possible locations around an atom where electrons having specific energy values (quantum number) may be found. Divided into sublevels s, p, d, and f.

Question 18

Group/Family Names

Answer 18

Question 19

Metals

Answer 19

To the left side of the periodic table (left of the zig zag line).

Usually, solids at room temperature.

Good conductors of heat and electricity.

High melting and boiling points.

Malleable.

Ductile.

Question 20

Nonmetals

Answer 20

To the right hand side of the periodic table (right of the zig zag line).

Not good conductors.

Low melting and boiling points.

Brittle.

Question 21

Metalloid

Answer 21

Have properties of both metals and nonmetals.

Semiconductors.

Question 22

Hydrogen

Answer 22

Group 1 Nonmetal

Question 23

Transition Metals

Answer 23

Question 24

Malleable

Answer 24

Able to be hammered or pressed permenately out of it’s original shape without breaking or cracking.

Question 25

Conductor

Answer 25

A material which permits the flow of energy. A material which allows the flow of charged particles is an electrical conductor. A material which allows the transfer of thermal energy is a thermal conductor or heat conductor.

Question 26

Ductile

Answer 26

Capable of being drawn out into a wire or thread.