oxidation number

Atom

The smallest basic unit of an element that retains the element’s unique chemical properties, composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. It cannot be divided further while keeping the chemical identity of the element

Molecule

A group of two or more atoms chemically bonded together, acting as a single stable unit. It is the smallest particle of a substance that still holds the chemical properties of that substance.

Ion

An atom or group of atoms that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative electrical charge.

Cation

A positively charged ion formed when a neutral atom loses one or more electrons. This charge happens because the number of protons in the nucleus becomes greater than the number of surrounding electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion formed when a neutral atom gains one or more electrons. This extra electron makes the total number of electrons larger than the number of protons in the atom.

Oxidation Number

A number representing the count of electrons an atom can donate, accept, or share when forming chemical bonds with other atoms. It shows the apparent electrical charge of an atom within a compound or ion.

Empirical Formula

A chemical formula that shows the simplest whole-number ratio of different atoms present in one compound. It does not state the exact number of atoms, only the smallest relative proportion.

Molecular Formula

A chemical formula that states the exact number of each type of atom found in one single molecule of a compound. It is often a whole-number multiple of the compound’s empirical formula.

Protons

positively charged particles found in the nucleus

Neutrons

neutral particles also located in the nucleus.

Electrons

negatively charged particles that move around the nucleus in energy levels or electron shells.