Exam Review: Waves, Atomic Structure, and Electron Configuration

Flashcards created for reviewing key concepts from the exam content, including waves, atomic structure, and electron configuration.

Wavelength

The distance over which a wave's shape repeats, symbolized by λ.

Amplitude

The height of a wave from its midpoint, representing the strength of the wave.

Frequency

The number of cycles or wavelengths that occur in a unit of time, symbolized by the letter ν (nu).

Speed of Light (c)

A constant value used in wave equations, equal to approximately 3 x 10^8 meters per second.

Planck's Constant (h)

A fundamental constant used in quantum mechanics, relating energy and frequency.

Electron Configuration

The arrangement of electrons in an atom, described by a sequence indicating the energy levels and orbitals.

Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom, which determine its chemical properties.

Core Electrons

Electrons that are not in the outermost shell and do not participate in chemical bonding.

Ionization Energy

The energy required to remove an electron from an atom or ion.

Cation

A positively charged ion that has lost one or more electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion that has gained one or more electrons.

Metallic Character

A measure of how easily an element can lose an electron, generally increasing down a group and decreasing across a period.