Atomic Structure and Electron Configuration

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to atomic structure, mass spectrometry, and electron configuration.

Fundamental Particles

The basic building blocks of matter, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Plum Pudding Model

An early model of atomic structure suggesting atoms were composed of a positive sphere with negative charges scattered within it.

Electron Shell Model

A model of atomic structure where electrons orbit a dense central nucleus.

Mass Number (A)

The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.

Atomic Number (Z)

The number of protons in an atom.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element with the same atomic number but different mass numbers due to varying neutron counts.

Relative Atomic Mass (Ar)

The mean mass of an atom of an element compared to one-twelfth the mass of a carbon-12 atom.

Ions

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

Mass Spectrometry

An analytical technique used to identify isotopes and determine relative atomic mass by measuring the m/z ratios.

Ionisation

The process of converting a neutral atom into an ion by removing electrons.

Electron Configuration

The distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals.

Orbital Types

The different shapes and energies of orbitals: s, p, d, and f.

Ionisation Energy

The energy required to remove one mole of electrons from one mole of gaseous atoms.

Exceptions to Electron Configuration Rules

Cases where electron arrangements deviate from standard rules to enhance stability.

First Ionisation Energy Trends (Across a Period)

Increases due to decreasing atomic radius and increasing attraction.

First Ionisation Energy Trends (Down a Group)

Decreases due to increasing atomic radius and increased shielding.

Time of Flight (TOF) Mass Spectrometry

A type of mass spectrometry that measures the time ions take to reach a detector.