Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to atomic structure and the periodic table.

Atom

The basic unit of a chemical element, consisting of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.

Proton

A positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Electron

A negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom.

Neutron

A neutral particle found in the nucleus of an atom, with no charge.

Isotope

Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

Periodic Table

A chart that arranges all known elements by increasing atomic number, organized into periods and groups.

Group

A vertical column in the periodic table that contains elements with similar chemical properties.

Period

A horizontal row in the periodic table that corresponds to the number of energy levels filled with electrons.

Alkali Metals

Group 1 elements that are highly reactive and have one electron in their outer shell.

Halogens

Group 7 elements that are highly reactive nonmetals with seven electrons in their outer shell.

Noble Gases

Group 0 elements that are colorless, odorless, monatomic gases that are largely unreactive due to their full outer electron shell.

Electronic Structure

A notation that describes the distribution of electrons among the energy levels of an atom.

Displacement Reaction

A type of chemical reaction where a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from a compound.

Mendeleev

A Russian scientist who created one of the first periodic tables in the 19th century.

Ion

An atom that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge.

Density

The mass per unit volume of a substance, often used to compare the heaviness of materials.

Metal Properties

Shiny, good conductors of heat and electricity, malleable, and typically solid at room temperature.

Non-metal Properties

Dull, poor conductors of heat and electricity, and often brittle when solid.