Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to atomic structure and the periodic table, aiding in your exam preparation.

Ground State

The lowest energy level where an electron starts in an atom.

Excited State

When an electron moves to a higher energy level after gaining energy.

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

States that one cannot simultaneously know both the exact position and momentum of an electron.

Atomic Orbital

A region in an atom where there is a high probability of finding electrons.

Electrons

Negatively charged subatomic particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom.

Aufbau Principle

Electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level to the highest.

Pauli Exclusion Principle

States that no two electrons can occupy the same orbital with the same spin.

Hund's Rule

Electrons will occupy separate orbitals of the same energy level before pairing up.

Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom which determine chemical properties.

Ionization Energy

The energy required to remove an electron from an atom.

Electronegativity

A measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons in a chemical bond.

Cations

Positively charged ions that result from losing electrons.

Anions

Negatively charged ions that result from gaining electrons.

Metalloids

Elements with properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals; located along the staircase line of the periodic table.

Alkali Metals

Group 1A elements that are highly reactive and have one valence electron.

Noble Gases

Group 8A elements that are inert and have a full set of valence electrons.

Representative Elements

Elements in groups 1, 2, and 13-18 that display a wide range of properties.

Quantum Mechanics

The branch of physics that deals with the behavior of very small particles at the atomic and subatomic level.

Periodic Table

A tabular arrangement of elements grouped by similar properties and increasing atomic number.

Principal Quantum Number (n)

Indicates the shell or energy level of an electron.

Electron Configuration

A notation that describes the arrangement of electrons in an atom.