Atomic Structure, Isotopes, and Ions

Vocabulary flashcards defining fundamental subatomic particles, atomic metrics, isotopes, and ionic structures based on the lecture.

Electron

A subatomic particle surrounding the central nucleus of an atom that carries a negative charge.

Proton

A subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom that carries a positive charge.

Neutron

A subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom that carries no charge and is neutral.

Atomic number

The smaller number on an element's symbol that indicates the number of protons in atoms of that element.

Mass number

The larger number on an element's symbol that tells the total number of protons and neutrons added together.

Number of neutrons calculation

The quantity obtained by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Ions

Atoms that have an overall electric charge because they have lost or gained electrons.

Positive ions

Ions formed when atoms have lost electrons, resulting in an overall positive charge.

Negative ions

Ions formed when atoms have gained electrons, resulting in an overall negative charge.

Lithium atom

An atom with an atomic number of $3$ and a mass number of $7$, containing $3$ protons, $3$ electrons, and $4$ neutrons.

Sodium ion

A sodium atom with a single positive charge that has lost $1$ electron, resulting in $11$ protons, $12$ neutrons, and $10$ electrons.

Fluoride ion

A fluorine atom with a single negative charge that has gained $1$ electron, resulting in $9$ protons, $10$ neutrons, and $10$ electrons.

Oxide ion

An oxygen atom with an overall two negative charge that has gained $2$ electrons, resulting in $8$ protons, $8$ neutrons, and $10$ electrons.

Aluminum ion

An aluminum atom with an overall three positive charge that has lost $3$ electrons, resulting in $13$ protons, $14$ neutrons, and $10$ electrons.