Chemistry: Isotopes, Ions, and Electron Counts

Flashcards based on lecture notes, designed for exam preparation.

ACX Notation

A notation where A represents the mass number, C represents the chemical symbol, and X represents the atomic number, with the atomic number (X) at the bottom.

Mass Number

The number on top in isotopic notation, representing the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Cations

Positively charged ions formed when a neutral atom loses electrons.

Anions

Negatively charged ions formed when a neutral atom gains electrons.

Finding the Number of Electrons

To determine the number of electrons in an ion. For example, if an atom gains one electron (-1 charge), add one to the original number of electrons.

Two Plus Charge

An atom with a 2+ charge has lost two electrons.

Significant Figures

Figures in a value that are reliably known