Atomic Structure Basics

Comprehensive flashcards covering subatomic particle properties, periodic table notation, and basic element calculations based on the lecture notes.

Atoms

The building blocks of matter, composed of three subatomic particles that determine both which element an atom represents and how it interacts with others.

Electron

The smallest subatomic particle, carrying a negative charge and occupying the space surrounding the nucleus in regions called orbitals or the electron cloud.

Proton

A positively charged subatomic particle located in the nucleus with a mass of $1\text{ amu}$; the number of protons defines the element's identity.

Neutron

A neutrally charged subatomic particle located in the nucleus with a mass of $1\text{ amu}$ that helps maintain nuclear stability.

Atomic mass unit (amu)

The unit of measurement used for the mass of subatomic particles; protons and neutrons each have a mass of $1\text{ amu}$, while electrons have practically zero mass.

Atomic Number

The value on the periodic table that is equal to the number of protons and, in a neutral atom, the number of electrons.

Atomic Mass

The value on the periodic table that represents the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom.

Chemical Symbol Rule

A standard format where the first letter is always capitalized and, if there is a second letter, it is lowercase.

Nucleus

The center of the atom which contains both protons and neutrons.

Neutron Calculation Formula

The formula used to determine the count of neutrons: $\text{Atomic Mass} - \text{Protons} = \text{Neutrons}$.

Carbon (C)

An element with an atomic number of $6$ and atomic mass of $12$, calculating to $6$ protons, $6$ electrons, and $6$ neutrons.

Beryllium (Be)

An element with an atomic number of $4$ and atomic mass of $9$, calculating to $4$ protons, $4$ electrons, and $5$ neutrons.

Helium (He)

A specific element that has $2$ protons and $2$ electrons.

Bromine (Br)

The element that contains $35$ protons and $35$ electrons.