Chemistry: Atomic Mass and Subatomic Particles

Flashcards about Atomic Mass Unit and Subatomic Particles

Atomic Mass Unit (AMU)

The unit used to express the mass of atomic and subatomic particles

Atomic Mass

The mass of a single atom expressed in AMU.

Protons

Positively charged particles located in the nucleus of an atom.

Neutrons

Neutral particles (no charge) located in the nucleus of an atom.

Electrons

Negatively charged particles found outside the nucleus in orbital clouds.

Mass Number (A)

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

Atomic Number

The number of protons in an atom's nucleus, which determines the element.

Bohr Model

A simplified model of the atom where electrons orbit the nucleus in specific energy levels or shells.

Aufbau Principle

The principle that electrons are added to the lowest energy levels first when building up an atom's electron configuration.

Valence Electrons

The outermost electrons of an atom, located in the highest occupied energy level, and involved in chemical bonding.

Core Electrons

The inner electrons of an atom, located closer to the nucleus and not involved in chemical bonding.

Representative Elements

Elements in groups 1A, 2A, and 3A-8A of the periodic table, whose chemical properties are largely determined by their valence electrons.