6.3 Atoms and Elements Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering basic atomic and elemental concepts.

atom

The smallest unit of an element that maintains the properties of that element.

proton

A subatomic particle with a positive charge located in the nucleus; its number is the atomic number and determines the element's identity.

neutron

A subatomic particle with no charge located in the nucleus.

electron

A subatomic particle with a negative charge.

element

A substance that cannot be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

atomic number

The number of protons in the nucleus; the atomic number is the same for all atoms of an element.

chemical symbol

A one-, two-, or three-letter abbreviation of the name of an element.

physical property

A characteristic of a substance that does not involve a chemical change, such as density, color, or hardness.