Atomic Structure and Chemical Reactions

These flashcards cover key concepts related to atomic structure and the reactions of sodium and chlorine, as well as insights from Rutherford's experiments.

Sodium (Na)

A chemical element represented by the symbol Na; it loses an electron to become positively charged.

Chlorine (Cl)

A chemical element represented by the symbol Cl; it gains an electron to become negatively charged.

Sodium Chloride

When sodium and chlorine react, sodium loses an electron and becomes positively charged while chlorine gains an electron and becomes negatively charged.

Covalent Bonding

Occurs when atoms share pairs of electrons instead of fully transferring them to form ions.

Rutherford's Experiment (1911)

An experiment where helium nuclei were bombarded on a thin gold foil, leading to the discovery of the dense nucleus of the atom.

Alpha Particles

Helium nuclei composed of two protons and two neutrons, used in Rutherford's experiments.

Conclusion of Rutherford's Experiment

An atom consists mostly of empty space with a dense nucleus surrounded by orbiting electrons.

Evidence of Empty Space in Atoms

Most helium nuclei passed through the gold foil without deflection.