Atoms and the Periodic Table

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts related to atoms and the periodic table, including definitions and key features of elements.

An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by a __________ reaction.

chemical

The atomic number (Z) is equal to the number of __________ in the nucleus of an atom.

protons

The __________ is a dense core that contains protons and neutrons in an atom.

nucleus

The maximum number of electrons in a given principal energy level is given by the formula __________.

2n^2

The __________ of an element indicates how many electrons are in its outermost shell.

valence electrons

Metals are generally good conductors of heat and __________.

electricity

An __________ is formed when two or more elements are chemically combined.

compound

The term for atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons is __________.

isotopes

Electrons occupy specific __________ levels around the nucleus of an atom.

energy

Chemical properties of an element are determined by the number of __________ in an atom.

electrons

An electron-dot symbol represents the __________ electrons in an atom.

valence

The __________ table is a schematic display of all known elements organized by their properties.

periodic

Nonmetals are generally __________ and poor conductors of heat and electricity.

dull

The three categories of elements found in the periodic table are metals, __________, and metalloids.

nonmetals

The __________ energy of an element increases across a period of the periodic table.

ionization

The __________ configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom.

electronic