Year 10 Chemistry Study Guide: Atoms and the Periodic Table

Vocabulary flashcards covering Year 10 Chemistry Chapter 5, including atomic structure, periodic table organization, families, bonding, and spectroscopy.

Bohr Model

A model of the atom used to describe atomic structure in terms of electron shells and relate structure to element properties and periodic table position.

Spectroscope

A scientific instrument whose development led to the further development of the model of the atom.

Subatomic Particles

The constituent particles that make up an atom: protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Atomic Number

A characteristic value identifying an element, studied alongside mass number in Chapter 5.1 to define atoms and elements.

Mass Number

A fundamental property of an atom studied alongside atomic number to understand atomic structure.

Groups

Vertical columns in the periodic table containing elements that share similar properties and outer electron shell patterns.

Periods

Horizontal rows of the periodic table across which atomic size and other periodic trends systematically change.

Lanthanides

A specific block or series of elements included in the organisation of the periodic table in Chapter 5.2.

Actinides

A series of elements studied alongside the lanthanides in the arrangement of the periodic table.

Alkali Metals

The family grouping of elements found in Group 1 of the periodic table, characterised by specific reactivity and atomic size trends.

Alkaline Earth Metals

The family grouping of elements located in Group 2 of the periodic table.

Halogens

The family grouping of elements located in Group 17 of the periodic table.

Noble Gases

The family grouping of elements located in Group 18 of the periodic table.

Electron Configuration

The arrangement of electrons within the electron shells of an atom.

Valence Electrons

Electrons residing in the outermost electron shell of an atom, whose repeating patterns reflect the layout of the periodic table.

Ionic Bonding

A form of chemical bonding involving electron behavior that leads to the formation of ions.

Covalent Bonding

A category of chemical bonding determined by the behavior of electrons between atoms.

Metallic Bonding

A type of bonding based on electron behavior characteristic of metallic elements.

Ions

Charged chemical species formed through the loss or gain of electrons.

Flame Test

A practical test in which elements are heated to produce characteristic colours, acting as a fingerprint for element identification.

Emission Spectrum

A unique spectrum of light produced when an element is heated, characteristic to each individual element.

Absorption Spectrum

A spectrum examined alongside emission spectra when studying how atoms interact with light and heat.