Atomic Structures and Electron Configuration

These flashcards cover key concepts related to atomic structure, electron configuration, and the behavior of electrons around the nucleus of an atom.

Nucleus

The center of an atom which contains protons and neutrons and represents most of the atom’s mass.

Electron Cloud

The area of space around the nucleus where the atom’s electrons are found.

Protons

Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom.

Neutrons

Neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom.

Electrons

Negatively charged particles that travel around the nucleus in the electron cloud.

Atomic Structure

The composition of an atom defined by the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons it contains.

Energy Levels

Different areas where electrons can reside in an atom, with each level representing a specific energy.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which also determines the number of electrons in a neutral atom.

Periodic Table

A table that organizes elements according to their atomic number and properties.

Configuration

The arrangement of electrons in an atom, often referred to as electron configuration.

Electron Configuration

The distribution of electrons in the energy levels of an atom.

Energy Level One

The first energy level closest to the nucleus, can hold one or two electrons.

Energy Level Two

The second energy level, which can hold up to eight electrons.

Energy Level Three

The third energy level, which can hold up to 18 electrons.

Energy Level Four

The fourth energy level, which can hold a maximum of 32 electrons.

Electron Attraction

The phenomenon where negatively charged electrons are attracted to the positively charged nucleus.

Electron Removal

The act of removing electrons from an atom, which requires different amounts of energy depending on their proximity to the nucleus.

Periods

Horizontal rows in the periodic table that indicate the number of electrons and energy levels.

Configuration known as the Electron Cloud

The proper term for the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus, described in Section Check.

The farther an energy level is from the nucleus, the more electrons it can hold

A principle regarding the capacity of energy levels in an atom.