Atom Structure and Isotopes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to atomic structure, isotopes, and nuclear stability based on the lecture notes.

Dalton's Indivisible Atom Theory

An early scientific theory stating that atoms are the smallest indivisible components of matter.

Subatomic Particles

Particles that make up an atom, which include protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Protons

Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom; contribute to the overall positive charge of the atom.

Neutrons

Neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom; have no charge.

Electrons

Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom; contribute to the overall charge of the atom.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, unique to each element.

Mass Number

The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Silicon-28

The most abundant isotope of silicon, with a mass number of 28 and a relative abundance of approximately 92.21%.

Nuclear Stability

The balance between protons and neutrons in the nucleus that determines whether an atom is stable or prone to decay.

Relative Abundance

The percentage of a particular isotope found in a naturally occurring sample of an element.