Atoms, Molecules & The Periodic Table

Flashcards focusing on key concepts related to atomic structure, electron arrangement, and the periodic table.

Electron Arrangement

The way electrons are organized around the nucleus of an atom, described by shells and subshells.

Subatomic Particles

The particles that make up an atom: protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Shell Diagram

A visual representation of the arrangement of electrons in an atom's shells.

Ground State

The lowest energy state of an atom, where electrons occupy the lowest available energy levels.

Excited State

A higher energy state of an atom where one or more electrons have absorbed energy and moved to a higher shell.

Ions

Atoms that have gained or lost electrons and thus have a net charge.

Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in chemical bonding.

Electronic Configuration

The arrangement of electrons in an atom, typically expressed in terms of shells and subshells.

Periodic Table Group

A vertical column in the periodic table, elements in the same group usually have similar properties and the same number of valence electrons.

Orbital

A region in an atom where there is a high probability of finding electrons, associated with different subshells.