Build an Atom Inquiry Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing subatomic particles, atomic mass, atomic numbers, ions, nuclear stability, and element rules based on the Build an Atom inquiry notes.

Nucleus

The center of the atom where protons and neutrons live.

Proton

A subatomic particle located in the center of the atom with a $+1$ charge and a mass of $1$ that determines the element's identity and atomic number.

Neutron

A subatomic particle located in the center of the atom with no charge and a mass of $1$ that determines isotopes and contributes to nuclear stability.

Electron

A subatomic particle with a $-1$ charge and "no mass" that determines chemical bonds and the overall charge of the atom or ion.

Atomic Mass

The total weight or size of an atom, determined by adding the number of protons and neutrons together: $\text{Atomic Mass} = \text{Protons} + \text{Neutrons}$.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in an atom, which dictates the name and identity of the element.

Atom

A particle with a neutral charge ($0$ net charge) because it has the exact same number of protons and electrons.

Ion

An atom with a positive ($+$) or negative ($-$) net charge, created when the number of protons is greater or less than the number of electrons.

Positive Ion

An ion formed when an electron is removed or when an atom has more protons than electrons, resulting in a positive charge.

Negative Ion

An ion formed when an electron is added or when an atom has more electrons than protons, resulting in a negative charge.

Stable Nucleus

A nucleus that has the same or close to the same number of protons and neutrons, such as Nitrogen ($N$) with $7$ protons and $8$ neutrons.

Unstable Nucleus

A nucleus that does not have a balanced number of protons and neutrons, such as Lithium ($Li$) with $3$ protons and $2$ neutrons, or Beryllium ($Be$) with $4$ protons and $4$ neutrons.

Potassium ($K$)

An element with an atomic number of $19$, an atomic mass of $39.098$, containing $19$ protons, $20$ neutrons, and $19$ electrons in its neutral state.

Iodine ($I$)

An element with an atomic number of $53$ and an atomic mass of $126.905$.