Chemistry Module 1, Chapter 2: Atomic Structure and Atomic Mass

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and definitions related to atomic structure, isotopes, electron configuration, and radioisotopes from Chemistry Module 1, Chapter 2.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element that have an equal number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

Stable Isotopes

Isotopes that do not undergo radioactive decay because the repulsive force between protons and the strong nuclear force are balanced.

Unstable Isotopes

Isotopes that undergo radioactive decay due to an unbalanced proton-neutron ratio, causing them to release energy as radiation.

Radioisotope

The unstable form of an element that emits radiation to transform into a more stable form.

Electron Configuration

The distribution of electrons in an atom's energy levels, which determines its chemical properties.

Aufbau Principle

Electrons fill the lowest energy shells first before filling higher energy levels.

Hund's Rule

Electrons fill degenerate orbitals singly before pairing up.

Pauli Exclusion Principle

Each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons with opposite spins.

Ionization Energy

The amount of energy required to remove an electron from an atom in its gaseous state.

Emission Spectroscopy

A technique used to analyze light emitted by substances when their electrons return from an excited state to a lower energy level.

Bohr Model

Describes the atom with electrons orbiting the nucleus in fixed energy levels.

Schrödinger Model

An atomic model describing electrons as wave-like entities in probability clouds, represented as orbitals.

Alpha Decay

A type of radioactive decay where a nucleus emits an alpha particle, reducing its atomic mass and number.

Beta Decay

A type of radioactive decay involving a neutron converting to a proton and emitting a beta particle.

Gamma Decay

A process where an unstable nucleus releases excess energy as gamma radiation without changing the number of protons or neutrons.

Cobalt-60

A radioisotope used in cancer treatment, which emits beta particles and gamma rays.