Science Term 4

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basic concepts of matter, subatomic particles, the periodic table, electron configurations, compounds, and physical versus chemical changes.

Matter

All material substance that is composed of atoms.

Atom

The most basic unit of an element, composed of subatomic particles including protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Protons

Positively charged ($+$) subatomic particles contained in the nucleus of an atom.

Electrons

Negatively charged ($-$) subatomic particles located in electron shells around the nucleus.

Neutrons

Neutral subatomic particles contained in the nucleus of an atom.

Elements

The purest form of matter, where each element is made up of a specific type of atom; all $118$ known elements are listed on the Periodic Table.

Atomic Number

The total number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom, which is also equal to the number of electrons in a neutral atom.

Atomic Symbol

The abbreviated symbol used to represent an element on the Periodic Table (e.g., $\text{He}$ for helium).

Atomic Mass

The average mass of atoms in an element, which is sometimes written as the mass number.

Groups

The vertical columns on the Periodic Table containing elements that share similar properties and the same number of valence electrons.

Periods

The horizontal rows on the Periodic Table in which all elements share the same number of electron shells.

Noble Gases

Elements with full outer electron shells that are non-reactive and rarely combine with other elements.

Metals

Elements characterized as strong, shiny, malleable, ductile, and good heat conductors.

Non-metals

Elements that are dull, brittle, mainly gases, and have low melting and boiling points.

Metalloids

Elements positioned between metals and non-metals on the Periodic Table that act like non-metals, with some acting as semiconductors.

Compound

A substance formed when $2$ or more atoms bond together, such as $\text{H}_2\text{O}$.

Chemical Formula

A representation that tells how many atoms of each element are present in a compound.

Electron Shells

Layers surrounding the nucleus of an atom where electrons are situated.

Electron Shell Capacity Formula

The formula $2n^2$, where $n$ is the shell number, used to calculate the maximum number of electrons a shell can hold.

Electron Configuration

The distribution of electrons within the electron shells of an atom, such as $(2,3)$ for a Boron ($\text{B}$) atom.

Physical Change

A change in a substance that does not alter its fundamental identity, such as ice melting into water or sugar dissolving into water.

Chemical Change

A reaction resulting in the formation of a new substance by breaking existing atomic bonds.

What is a ion

An ion is a atomic or molecule with a electric charge, because it has gained or lost electrons

How is an ion formed?

Through ionization atoms gain or lose valance electrons with ion a chemical reaction.

During ionization which matter gains electrons?

Non-metals

During ionization which matter loses electrons?

Metals

do Metalloids gain or los electrons during ionization?

when faced with non metals they lose electrons, when faced with metals they gain or take

What is something rare Metalloids due during ionization?

Share electrons by forming covalent bonds

What is Covalent bond?

a chemical link where two atoms share one or more pairs of valance electrons to achieve stability.