Chem-101 Chapter 9: Electrons in Atoms and the Periodic Table

These flashcards cover key concepts from Chapter 9: Electrons in Atoms and the Periodic Table.

What gas is commonly used in balloons due to its inert behavior?

Helium

What tragic event occurred on May 6, 1937, related to the Hindenburg airship?

The Hindenburg burst into flames due to leaking hydrogen gas.

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related; as one increases, the other decreases.

What characterizes electromagnetic radiation?

It has properties of both waves and particles.

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

3.0 x 10^8 m/s (186,000 mi/s)

What determines the energy of a photon?

The energy of a photon is determined by its wavelength; shorter wavelengths have greater energy.

What are the two types of radiation that are classified as ionizing radiation?

X-rays and gamma rays.

What type of electrons are involved in chemical bonding?

Valence electrons.

How are electron shells organized in an atom?

Electron shells are organized by the principal quantum number n, where n=1, 2, 3, etc.

What is the maximum number of electrons an electron shell can hold?

The maximum number of electrons is given by the formula 2n^2.

What is an orbital?

An orbital is the three-dimensional space around the nucleus where an electron is most likely to be found.

What are core electrons?

Core electrons are the electrons in an atom that are not involved in chemical bonding.

What rule governs the filling of electron subshells?

Electron subshells are filled in order of increasing energy.

What best characterizes noble gases?

Noble gases are chemically stable and nonreactive, generally having eight valence electrons.

What is the periodic trend in atomic size?

Atomic size decreases as you move to the right across a period and increases as you move down a column.

What is ionization energy?

Ionization energy is the energy required to move an electron from an atom.

How does metallic character change across a period?

Metallic character decreases as you move to the right across a period.

What is the periodic trend in atomic size?

Atomic size decreases as you move to the right across a period and increases as you move down a column.

How does metallic character change across a period?

Metallic character decreases as you move to the right across a period.

What is ionization energy?

Ionization energy is the energy required to move an electron from an atom.

What best characterizes noble gases?

Noble gases are chemically stable and nonreactive, generally having eight valence electrons.