CHEM100 – Introduction to College Chemistry

This set of flashcards covers basic concepts from a chemistry lecture, focusing on atomic structure, periodic table information, and properties of elements.

What is the main goal of CHEM100 regarding the atomic structure and the periodic table?

Students will describe the structure of the atom, relate it to the periodic table, and classify elements based on their location in the periodic table.

What is the correct symbol for sulfur?

S

What are the subatomic particles that make up an atom?

Protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Where are protons located in an atom and what is their charge?

Protons are located in the nucleus and have a positive charge.

What does the atomic number represent?

The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atomic nucleus.

When an atom loses electrons, what type of ion does it form?

A positive ion or cation.

What are the general properties of metals?

Metals are shiny, good conductors of heat and electricity, solid at room temperature (except mercury), malleable, and ductile.

What distinguishes a metalloid from metals and nonmetals?

Metalloids exhibit mixed properties and lie along the staircase line that divides metals and nonmetals.

What does the mass number of an atom indicate?

The mass number represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

If an atom has 6 protons and 6 neutrons, what is its mass number and what is the element?

The mass number is 12 and the element is Carbon.

What happens to the charge of an atom when it gains electrons?

It becomes negatively charged and is called an anion.

How can you identify an element as a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid based on its position in the periodic table?

Metals are to the left of the staircase, nonmetals to the right, and metalloids are found along the staircase.

What are the common names of Group 1A, Group 2A, Group 7A, and Group 8A elements?

Group 1A are alkali metals, Group 2A are alkaline earth metals, Group 7A are halogens, and Group 8A are noble gases.

In the periodic table, what are vertical columns called?

Groups or families.

What are the two types of ions that can be formed by atoms?

Cations (positive ions) and anions (negative ions).