Topic 1 - Atoms Flashcards
Anion
An inion that has more electrons than protons, making it negatively charged
Atom
The smallest building block of matter
Atomic number
The number of protons in a nucleus
Atomic symbol
A short hand notation for describing an atom
Cation
An ion that has more protons and electrons, making it positively charged
Compound
A substance made up of 2 or more different types of atoms chemically joined
Crystal lattice
A grid-like structure of atoms or ions
Electron
A small, negatively charged subatomic particle, clouds of electrons surround the nucleus
Element
A substance made up of only 1 type of atom
Ion
An atom that has gained or lost an electron
Molecule
A cluster of atoms that made up an element or compound
Neutron
A subatomic particle with no electric charge
Polyatomic
Contains more than one atom
Alpha decay
A nuclear reaction in which a nucleus ejects an alpha particle, which is identical to a helium nucleus
Alpha particle
A particle made up of 2 protons and 2 neutrons making it identical to a helium nucleus
Alpha radiation
A form of nuclear reaction in which a nucleus ejects a beta particle