Atomic Structure and Nuclear Chemistry Review

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering atomic theory, subatomic particles, atomic laws, scientists, ions, and radioactive decay.

Atomic number

The number of protons in an atom.

Radioactive decay

The process of an unstable particle emitting particles.

Nucleus

The dense, positively charged center of an atom.

Isotope

Atoms of the same element with a different number of neutrons.

Nuclear fission

Splitting a large atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei.

Ionization

The removal or addition of electrons.

Ion

A charged atom.

Nuclear fusion

Combining two small nuclei into a large nucleus.

Neutrons

Neutral subatomic particles that reside in the nucleus and, along with protons, affect atomic stability.

Protons

Positively charged subatomic particles that reside in the nucleus and affect atomic stability.

Electrons

Negatively charged subatomic particles.

Law of Conservation of Mass

States that mass is neither created nor destroyed.

Law of Definite Proportions

States that a chemical compound contains the same elements in exactly the same proportions by mass regardless of the size or source of the compound.

Dalton's atomic theory

A 5-part theory stating: 1. All matter is made of atoms; 2. Atoms of the same element are identical; 3. Atoms of different elements are different; 4. Atoms cannot be divided, created, or destroyed; 5. Atoms combine in simple whole number ratios to form compounds.

Modern Atomic Theory

A 2-part modification of earlier theory stating: 1. Atoms are divisible and are made of smaller subatomic particles; 2. Atoms of the same element can have different number of neutrons.

J.J. Thomas

Discovered electrons using CRT.

Rutherford

Discovered the nucleus using the element Radium.

Cation

A positively charged ion indicated by $+$ (lost an electron).

Anion

A negatively charged ion indicated by $-$ (gained an electron).

Average atomic mass calculation

$$\text{Mass} \times \text{decimal abundance}$$

Alpha decay

Type of radioactive decay characterized by a $+2$ charge, Helium, and shielding by paper or skin.

Beta decay

Type of radioactive decay that has a $-1$ charge, $0-1\text{e}$, and shielding by thin aluminum or plastic.

Gamma decay

Type of radioactive decay with no mass or charge ($00\text{y}$).